The phenomenon of writer use of sport inferences in the literary genre of the novel is examined in the works of Updike and Mailer. Novels of both authors were reviewed in order to study the pattern of usage in each novel. From these patterns, concepts which illustrated the sport philosophies of each author were used for general comparisons of the…

Describes how in the late 1930s a novelist named John R. Tunis began publishing a long series of books about various athletic situations and issues of his day. Examines Tunis' attempt to demonstrate where sports sometimes touch contemporary social issues. Explicates three texts: "All-American"; "Keystone Kids"; and "Yea! Wildcats!" (SG)

Describes the novels of Chris Crutcher--vital works which deal with young men, sports, and growing up. Points out the connections between Crutcher's background and his work. (ARH)

This paper examines the modern cultural fascination with the game of football and with football players as this concern is reflected in the modern (post-1960) novel. The analysis is based on 31 novels, or portions of novels, which treat the topic of football as a cultural metaphor at the high school, college, and professional levels. Inspecting…