MAPLE LEAF GARDENS: FIFTY YEARS OF HISTORY.

Toronto: Van Nostrand Reinhold, 1981. 208 pp, 11 1/4" H. Profusely illustrated with b&w and colour photographs, reproductions. "(T)akes a fascinating look at the personalities and events that have made the Gardens Canada's most famous building. It is the interesting story of the building of the Gardens and of the hockey greats who have played there. It is also, in many ways, the story of popular entertainment in Canada from 1931 to 1981. Over 100 million people have been entertained by ballet, opera, circuses, skating extravaganzas and concerts of all sorts, in addition to almost every kind of sporting event from boxing and wrestling to bicycle racing. The arena has also been the site of political and religious rallies, benefits in support of the war effort, community events such as Brownie and Boy Scout pageants, and service club fund-raisers. This nostalgic book will remind sports fans of the Leafs' high-scoring Kid Line, of George Chuvalo going the distance with Muhammad Ali or of Vitas Gerulaitas defeating Bjorn Borg. Rock fans will remember attending an Elvis Presley concert, or waiting hours in line for Beatles' tickets. (It) also contains a detailed chronology of the milestones in the history of the Gardens for the trivia buff." Minor edge wear, minor wrinkling at bottom of spine. Dust jacket has very light edge wear, one very small edge tear archivally taped.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good+/Very Good.