Mr2Bits
Gator Fan
Turner Publishing Company was kind enough to send me an advanced copy of Kevin McCarthy's new book, Historic Photos of University of Florida Football. McCarthy complied and captioned photographs that date back all the way to the founding of Gainesville and the very first football team. This is a rare collection of over 200 photos that every Gator needs on their coffee table.
Kevin McCarthy has written 43 books, mostly about the culture of Florida, such as The Guide to the University of Florida and Gainesville and Fightin' Gators. Kevin is an expert on UF history and would be an excellent source to cite in a feature in the Independent Alligator. McCarthy does a tremendous job showcasing distinct photos in a timeline from the 1800s to the 2000s. Every page has a super high-res black & white picture that tells the story of Florida Gator football.
Historic Photos of University of Florida Football starts out with general photos of the University of Florida and dives into the campus. I know a lot about Gator Football, but never knew that they once played games in Lake City, FL before moving to Gainesville. You will get to see dozens of photos graphs of the old 1900s teams... the players have practically no pads on, no helmets, and the ball looks to be the size of a watermelon.
<img src="http://www.gatorenvy.com/images/historic/uf-historic-1.jpg" alt="1900s florida football" />
This book also feature the evolution of the stadium itself as well as some players and notable sports figures, such as: Ed Parnell, Walter Clemons, John J. Tigert, Forrest Ferguson, the 1969 Auburn Game, Lane Fenner, Pepper Rodgers, Cris Collinsworth, Emmitt Smith, 1902-1978 Team Photos, the Gator Bowl, Mr. Two Bits, Florida Field and the 1980 Tangerine Bowl.
<img src="http://www.gatorenvy.com/images/historic/uf-historic-2.jpg" alt="historic florida field" />
<img src="http://www.gatorenvy.com/images/historic/uf-historic-4.jpg" alt="historic florida gators" />
Here's a historic shot of Gator great Steve Spurrier:
<img src="http://www.gatorenvy.com/images/historic/uf-historic-3.jpg" alt="steve spurrier" />
One of my favorite pictures in the book is on page 60. It shows two students walking up the street (maybe during a parade) with a huge banner that says "To Hell With Georgia." That's great! If you thought the rivalry was intense now you should see it 50 years ago! This is the type of photo you won't find anywhere else.
Historic Photos of University of Florida Football is available to the public on July 29, 2009. You can find it at any bookstore (if you live in the Southeast) or you can find it online at Amazon. This is a must have book for any Gator fan. I know Christmas is still months away, but keep this in mind for friends and family. I have it sitting on my coffee table and I know when I have friends over to watch Gator games everyone will be wanting to check it out.
Kevin McCarthy has written 43 books, mostly about the culture of Florida, such as The Guide to the University of Florida and Gainesville and Fightin' Gators. Kevin is an expert on UF history and would be an excellent source to cite in a feature in the Independent Alligator. McCarthy does a tremendous job showcasing distinct photos in a timeline from the 1800s to the 2000s. Every page has a super high-res black & white picture that tells the story of Florida Gator football.
Historic Photos of University of Florida Football starts out with general photos of the University of Florida and dives into the campus. I know a lot about Gator Football, but never knew that they once played games in Lake City, FL before moving to Gainesville. You will get to see dozens of photos graphs of the old 1900s teams... the players have practically no pads on, no helmets, and the ball looks to be the size of a watermelon.
<img src="http://www.gatorenvy.com/images/historic/uf-historic-1.jpg" alt="1900s florida football" />
This book also feature the evolution of the stadium itself as well as some players and notable sports figures, such as: Ed Parnell, Walter Clemons, John J. Tigert, Forrest Ferguson, the 1969 Auburn Game, Lane Fenner, Pepper Rodgers, Cris Collinsworth, Emmitt Smith, 1902-1978 Team Photos, the Gator Bowl, Mr. Two Bits, Florida Field and the 1980 Tangerine Bowl.
<img src="http://www.gatorenvy.com/images/historic/uf-historic-2.jpg" alt="historic florida field" />
<img src="http://www.gatorenvy.com/images/historic/uf-historic-4.jpg" alt="historic florida gators" />
Here's a historic shot of Gator great Steve Spurrier:
<img src="http://www.gatorenvy.com/images/historic/uf-historic-3.jpg" alt="steve spurrier" />
One of my favorite pictures in the book is on page 60. It shows two students walking up the street (maybe during a parade) with a huge banner that says "To Hell With Georgia." That's great! If you thought the rivalry was intense now you should see it 50 years ago! This is the type of photo you won't find anywhere else.
Historic Photos of University of Florida Football is available to the public on July 29, 2009. You can find it at any bookstore (if you live in the Southeast) or you can find it online at Amazon. This is a must have book for any Gator fan. I know Christmas is still months away, but keep this in mind for friends and family. I have it sitting on my coffee table and I know when I have friends over to watch Gator games everyone will be wanting to check it out.
