REMEMBERING THE ROCKET: A CELEBRATION.

Toronto: Stoddart, 1998. 128 pp, 7 3/4" H. B&w and colour photographs. "He has been called the 'greatest goal scorer in professional hockey history,' not least for his astonishing feat of notching 50 goals in 50 games. Yet that alone hardly explains his legend. Maurice Richard not only ushered in hockey's modern era with his prolific scoring touch and fiery play, he also came to symbolize the hopes and fears of an entire culture. Quebec in the 1940s and '50s wanted a hero and they found one in Richard - a fierce competitor, a skilful artist and a proud warrior, whose famous temper triggered one of the darkest events in Canadian sporting history - the Montreal riot of 1955. This look back at the greatest player to ever don the red, white and blue includes some of the finest sportswriters of the era, documenting Richard the hero and Richard the villain, Richard the doting family man and Richard the aging hockey legend. Passionate about everything in life, Richard raised the stakes for all of us who understand that hockey has always been more than just a game." Large gift insciption on free front endpaper; previous owner's name, place and date on half-title page; 5" line indentation on rear board. Dust jacket has minor edge wrinkling, 5" line indentatiom on rear panel, two tiny light stains on inside surface, light rubbing.. First Edition. Hard Cover. Very Good -/Very Good-.