Primo Levi; author of Survival in Auschwitz and The Periodic Table; wrote books that have been called the essential works of humankind. Yet he lived an unremarkable existence; remaining until his death in the house in which he'd been born; managing a paint and varnish factory for thirty years; and tending his invalid mother to the last. Now; in a matchless account; Ian Thomson unravels the strands of a life as improbable as it was influential; the story of the most modest of men who became a universal touchstone of conscience and humanism.Drawing on exclusive access to family members and previously unseen correspondence; Thomson reconstructs the world of Levi's youth-the rhythms of Jewish life in Turin during the Mussolini years-as well as his experience in Auschwitz and difficult reintegration into postwar Italy. Thomson presents Levi in all his facets: his fondness for Louis Armstrong and fast cars; his insomnia and many near-catastrophic work accidents. Finally; he explores the controversy and isolation of Levi's later years; along with the increasing tensions in his life-between his private anguish and gift for friendship; his severe bouts of depression and passion for life and ideas; his pervasive dread and reasoned; pragmatic ethic.Praised in Britain as "the best sort of history" and "a model of its kind;" Primo Levi: A Life is certain to take its place as the standard biography and a necessary companion to the works themselves.
#54584 in Books Unknown 2006-01-15 2006-01-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.75 x .50 x 6.75l; 1.10 #File Name: 0804837147224 pagesThe Way of the Champion: Lessons from Sun Tzu's The art of War and other Tao Wisodm for Sports life
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Required reading for any serious coach!By John O'SullivanBrilliant; a must read for any coach. Learn how to build trust; and get your athletes working together toward a common goal. You will refer back to this book everyday!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Also a Great Book for Parents of Young Athletes!By N. M.I purchased this book to help me better understand how I could best support my two young athletes; and it continues to be my go-to source for advice. Jerry Lynch brings such a healthy perspective to competition and success; that I find I use his philosophy in many different aspects of my own life. The examples he provides from his own coaching experience are really inspiring; and the techniques he recommends for achieving higher levels of success in sports and in life are incredibly logical and simple to follow. This book has definitely helped me know what to say or not to say to my kids before and after their games; and as a result; they are playing better; have smiles on their faces and our relationship just keeps improving. I definitely recommend it for athletes or parents of young athletes.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Road Map of positive thinkingBy BJJ LibrarianI've previously listened to and read Sun Tzu's "Art of War" and tried to make the principles and philosophies apply to my life and martial arts training. However; "The Way of the Champion" does all of this for you. It is well written which makes it an easy read. There are lots of examples of how the lessons in the book were used and applied to other athletes with positive results. I recently hit a mental road block in my martial arts training; and this book is helping me to achieve a winning state of mind for martial arts; work; and life.
