- Paperback: 352 pages
- Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd; New edition edition (27 Mar 2003)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 014029760X
- ISBN-13: 978-0140297607
- Product Dimensions: 19.6 x 12.4 x 2.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 359,698 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
Tilting at Windmills is the comic odyssey of a meek geek who tries to become one with the sporting life. Journalist Andy Miller is a lifelong sport-phobic who finds himself in a Britain obsessed with the stuff--from the school playing field to the various "hallowed turfs", the seemingly pointless doings have everyone around him mesmerised--and Miller decides to find out why.
A stuttering but almost successful attempt to become a QPR fan, gives way to bold stabs at embracing the totems of British sport--The Open, The Boat Race, Wimbledon--with Miller bent on breaking the "code" that allows others to find passion, drama and fun, where he finds only bad catering, yobs and stupefying boredom.
The investigation is punctuated by the ongoing story of his own endeavours in top-flight international sporting competition, as Miller finds himself drawn to the painted windmills and baffling geometry of crazy golf, pursuing his new passion around the seaside towns of Britain and onwards to European Championships, in Latvia (where he is billed by no less an organ than the Baltic Times as "the Eddie the Eagle of miniature golf").
Miller is the witty, acutely self-conscious traveller at the heart of his own story, but nevertheless pursues serious lines of enquiry into the self-deception and surrender to tribalism that characterise the sports fan, and what underpins his own long-standing resistance to "joining in". No major revelations here, but this is a light, entertaining read that could have even the most unsporty types thinking about grabbing a putter. --Alex Hankin --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Matt Seaton, Esquire
"It's a hilarious premise, superbly executed by an accomplished comic writer."
--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
4 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Andy Miller's book is very funny but it's also suprisingly thoughtful - he appears to change his mind about sport as the book progresses, which is a lot more honest than many writers. His account of his sporting year manages to take in games teachers, QPR, the Boat Race, Jimmy Tarbuck (very funny this bit - Louis Theroux-ish), and an awful lot of crazy golf. And the chapter at the minigolf finals in Latvia is unbelievable!
It's gripping AND humourous AND smart.
3 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A great read, extremely funny, and the perfect antidote to World Cup fever. Great for those who aren't into sport but sports lovers will also enjoy this book and find it thought-provoking. In fact, I'd recommend it to everyone!
2 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I was always last to be picked in games too, so this book made me laugh a lot. It was really good to read about horrible sport from the point of view of someone who can't stand it - especially a man (though God knows what other men will make of it!) Plus I couldn't believe that crazy golf could be so thrilling - sad but true. Really though, read this book if you want to know what it's like not to fit in in a ball-shaped world. Funny and clever.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Well, tries hard at least.
Mr. Miller shares a lot in common with Dave Gorman - his novel is based on a totally ridiculous premise that just begs you to follow. Andy Miller has always been rubbish at sport. Read more
Published on 27 Mar 2004 by Kid Ad
Show me the putter
This is a brilliant, funny book dealing with Andy Miller's struggle to overcome a lack of ability, and also to understand why sport can be addictive. Read more
Published on 6 Jun 2003 by G. Hill
Not what you might think
As one who last enjoyed a competitive activity when it involved running in a straight line balancing an egg on a spoon, I could certainly empathise with the author's past as a... Read more
Published on 13 July 2002 by "jemwatson"
Humiliation with humour
I found this a hugely funny book - it took me back to my days at school and subsequently failure at sports in my mature years. Read more
Published on 27 Jun 2002
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