{"title":"Russ Bengtson","description":"\u003cp\u003eRuss Bengtson’s work skilfully bridges the worlds of \u003cstrong\u003esports\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003escience\u003c\/strong\u003e, offering readers insightful perspectives on the athletic realm through a scientific lens. His books delve into the history and culture of sports, often revealing surprising narratives behind familiar stories.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom exploring the evolution of basketball footwear to uncovering intriguing behind-the-scenes tales, Bengtson’s writing invites readers to appreciate the details that shape athletes’ experiences and the games they play. Expect engaging narratives enriched with thoughtful analysis and vivid storytelling.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cover-story-by-russ-bengtson-9781629379258","title":"Cover Story","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA nostalgic romp through modern NBA history as documented by basketball's most iconic and innovative magazine covers.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEvery magazine cover is the result of a series of intentional decisions. \u003ci\u003eCover Story\u003c\/i\u003e shares the behind-the-scenes stories of these deliberate choices, which led to the most iconic basketball-related magazine covers during a period from 1984 to 2003.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough 100-plus interviews conducted with writers, editors, publishers, photographers, creative directors, and the players themselves, the book explores Michael Jordan's relationship with Sports Illustrated, Shaquille O'Neal and the hip-hop generation's impact on newsstands, the birth of SLAM and the inside stories of their most iconic covers, how the 1996 USA women's basketball team inspired a new era of women's sports magazines, the competition among publishers to put high school phenom LeBron James on the magazine cover first, and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOffering an immersive look at some of the most impactful moments in a golden era for modern basketball, this engaging read will appeal to basketball fans, pop culture enthusiasts, and those who want to take a deep dive into understanding how the individual components of a classic magazine cover come together.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFeatures four full-colour inserts showcasing a collection of notable magazine covers!\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854414860524,"sku":"9781629379258","price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/05c80be100243c70e41710c54d8bd795.jpg?v=1759270562"},{"product_id":"history-of-basketball-in-fifteen-sneakers-by-russ-bengtson-9781523510283","title":"History of Basketball in Fifteen Sneakers","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA celebration of the iconic shoes and superstars who have defined the sport for decades, \u003cem\u003eA History of Basketball in 15 Sneakers\u003c\/em\u003e tells the story of hoops as only shoes can.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe ultimate book for both hoops fans and sneaker obsessives, \u003cem\u003eA History of Basketball in 15 Sneakers\u003c\/em\u003e is an exciting and fascinating look at the sport written with authority and experience by former \u003cem\u003eComplex\u003c\/em\u003e magazine editor, Russ Bengtson. From primeval Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars to baroque Reebok Pumps, and myth-making Air Jordans to super-high-tech Nike Adapt BBs, each chapter breaks down how a specific sneaker defined an era of basketball, transformed the culture, or changed the game.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith full-colour sneaker photographs and sidebars throughout, the book is a kaleidoscopic celebration of the players, styles, and iconic moments that have shaped hoops both on and off the court.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTopics include: Puma Clydes and the New York City street game; the explosion of sneaker marketing in the 1980s and the rise of the modern global basketball superstar with Michael Jordan; Nike Air Swoopes and the evolution of the women’s game; sneaker tech and tweaking design to playing style, from inside post moves to outside sharpshooting; and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47486114201836,"sku":"9781523510283","price":70.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781523510283-history-of-basketball-in-fifteen-sneakers.jpg?v=1775728666"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/russ-bengtson.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}