Rivals!: The Ten Greatest American Sports Rivalries of the 20th Century

"Rivals! is a thorough and immensely entertaining read. Davies writes in clear language without sacrificing the subtleties and complexities of the topics he engages. Indeed, Davies' study showed me how much I still have to learn about rivalries that, before encountering his work, I thought I understood quite well. Furthermore, and perhaps most important, Rivals! provides a foundation on which other studies of the sports rivalry can build." (Journal of Sports History, 1 April 2011)

"This is the perfect book for any sports fan. If you’re not a huge sports fan, it would make a great Father’s Day gift, or a great gift for your teenager who wants to learn more about the history of teams." (KatieTalksAbout.com, May 2010)

"Davies' book is a deeply researched, entertaining and insightful look at the cultural and athletic underpinnings of ten entrenched American sports rivalries, one that offers revelations for fans of any team."
Warren St. John, author of Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer: A Road Trip into the Heart of Fan Mania, and Outcasts United: A Refugee Team, an American Town

“The Red Sox and the Yankees, the Tar Heels and the Blue Devils, Arnie and Jack, Ali and Frazier—I could feel the heat rising from the pages of Richard Davies’ Rivals! Anyone who doubts the genuine passions that sports stir should read this book. It’s a book for all seasons—and all fans.”
Randy Roberts, Purdue University, author of Papa Jack: Jack Johnson and the Era of White Hopes and coauthor of Winning is the Only Thing: Sports in America since 1945