Their Life's Work: The Brotherhood Of The 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers, Then And Now (2013) - Plot & Excerpts
I received this book from a Goodreads Giveaway. This is a must-read for any tried-and-true Stillers fan. I've been going to Steelers games since I was in my mother's stomach, and, like any child born unto Steelers Nation, I grew up hearing about the Steelers of the 70's: the dynasty, the Steel Curtain. My father had autographed photos of Greene, Lambert, Harris, Bradshaw, White, Webster, Swann, Blunt, Bleier and Noll mounted on plaques and hung on our basement walls. For me, Pomerantz humanized these demigods of Yinzer lore, and I greatly enjoyed learning about the fantastical and flawed humans beings that combined to make the perfect blend for football legend. The book isn't without its flaws. Personally, I felt like Pomerantz jumped around a little too much in the beginning, and some of the stories didn't really seem relevant to me. Also, at times, it feels much more like a book about the Rooney family than about the team and the games, and it's especially lacking detail when it comes to the actual Super Bowls—barely any at all. It's more like a character study than an epic, which is what I was expecting. But, as I got further into the book, I really came to appreciate the personal stories of these guys who were borderline mythical to me, being a generation removed from the team of the '70's. I only wish there were more chapters devoted to more players instead of just five of them. You don't always realize how much your heroes sacrifice, and this book allowed me to feel a lot more compassion for the men who seemed invincible and you tend not to think about beyond the images you see of them in their football prime. And, you certainly can't have a book about the Steelers without a heavy Rooney presence because there just wouldn't be the Pittsburgh Steelers without the Rooney family. In a league that now seems like it's every man for himself, it's nice to reminisce about a team that truly was a brotherhood. It's also an important book for any football fan to read because of the impact Mike Webster, and those like him, should have on the game relating to brain injury. There's much more happening to these NFL players than brushing it off as they are more aggressive by nature because they play such a violent game. There's a real epidemic of traumatic brain injury directly related to football that needs to be addressed and corrected. And, I believe this book gives Mike Webster his voice back.The most important quality this book has is that it doesn't shy away from the truth, especially when the truth isn't desirable. Overall it's a very, very well researched, constructed, and written book, and every football fan should read it. hard to say that this would be as impactful to anyone who did not grow up outside of pittsburgh, but for me the stories in the book brought back such strong memories of that time, that town, those players. the bonus was the backstory that pomerantz provided - the behinds the scenes decisions and after-football continuations of the stories of the central characters.fantastic book. can't wait to hear how my son feels about it.
What do You think about Their Life's Work: The Brotherhood Of The 1970s Pittsburgh Steelers, Then And Now (2013)?
Must have for any Steeler fan. Great story and insight into the Steel Curtain dynasty.
—nas66shk
I must for all Steeler Nation people. I must for all football fans.
—marissa
Awesome in depth look into the life and times of the 70's Steelers.
—kalexa20
A great read. One of the best sports books I've ever read.
—Brooke
