Neil Lanctot is an American historian whose works delve into the annals of American sports history, with a particular focus on baseball. His writing is characterized by meticulous research and a drive to uncover lesser-known or overlooked aspects of sports history. Lanctot explores the social and cultural contexts that shaped athletic institutions and the lives of the individuals within them. His books offer deep insights into the development of Black professional baseball and the narratives of its prominent figures.
This biography delves into the life of a remarkable figure in sports, celebrated for both his courage and exceptional talent as one of baseball's greatest catchers. It offers a comprehensive look at his journey, highlighting his inspiring story and significant contributions to the game. Praised for its depth and engaging narrative, the book captures the essence of a true sports icon, making it a rich and enjoyable read for fans and history enthusiasts alike.
Winner of the 2022 award for biography from the American Society of Journalists and AuthorsThe fascinating story of how the three most influential American progressives of the early twentieth century split over America’s response to World War I.In the early years of the twentieth century, the most famous Americans on the national stage were Theodore Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson, and Jane Addams: two presidents and a social worker. Each took a different path to prominence, yet the three progressives believed the United States must assume a more dynamic role in confronting the growing domestic and international problems of an exciting new age.Following the outset of World War I in 1914, the views of these three titans splintered as they could not agree on how America should respond to what soon proved to be an unprecedented global catastrophe. The Approaching Storm is the story of three extraordinary leaders and how they debated, quarreled, and split over the role the United States should play in the world. By turns a colorful triptych of three American icons who changed history and the engrossing story of the roots of World War I, The Approaching Storm is a surprising and important story of how and why the United States emerged onto the world stage.
