ROOTS OF AMERICAN GYMNASTICS
(Third Edition)
By
A.B. Frederick, Ph.D., Gymnastics Historian
Director of the “Roots Project”
International Gymnastics Hall of Fame Historian/Curator 1987-1996
Chair, Helms/USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame Selection Committee 1992-1996
Archivist, World Acrobatic Society (Current)
Twenty years in preparation, this book consists of seventy (70) charts and indices to locate people in the American gymnastics family. You will find information about every major figure in USA gymnastics in this unique publication including all Hall of Fame honorees and those playing major roles in the national governing body from the AAU to USGF/USAG. Roots presents, in genealogical form, the “Big Family” of American gymnastics from the mid-1800s to date. State organizations, schools and clubs are represented. More than 1,600 people are identified and indexed. The “Roots” project represents the ongoing work of Dr. Frederick whose decades of research is recognized by many throughout the United States. Olympic historian, Dr. John Lucas of Penn State remarked, “In another lifetime, I would attempt the same kind of record for Track and Field.” The author is grateful to those who have helped with the project, especially Abie Grossfeld, Coach of the 1984 Gold Medal US Olympic Men's' Gymnastics Team who identified errors, suggested record changes and advice about personalities to be included for all three editions.
The Family Tree of American Gymnastics includes ...
1,600+ personalities in American gymnastics from 1880-date identified.
500+ line drawings show how personalities looked during their prime years.
Covers show chronology of gymnastics from Rousseau to Hamm.
All original Hall of Fame honorees and most recent honorees are identified.
A Table of contents identifies geographic relationships.
Name index leads the reader to specific individuals.
Grandfather of world gymnastics identified.
Modern father of gymnastics is identified.
American Grandfather and Father of gymnastics identified.
Mother figures for women's artistic and rhythmic gymnastics identified.
American World Championship & Olympic medalists identified.
Roots is the first sport history publication of its kind.
SHOULD YOU HAVE ROOTS OF AMERICAN GYMNASTICS IN YOUR LIBRARY?
Yes - If you know what “Turner” or “Sokol” means.
Yes - If you know “Abie” or knew any of the following people .........
Oskar Ostoff
Muriel Grossfeld
George Lewis
Jacquelyn Klein
Kirsti Kjeldsen
Yes - If you know who negotiated a solution to the parallel bar war (1860 -63).
Yes - If you have been coaching or judging for 10 or more years.
Yes - If you were competing when Clark Gable starred in the movies.
Yes - If you can describe a triple twisting back, punch front to a layman.
Yes - If you know who took the first American team to an international meet.
Yes - If you can name 15 of our more than 200 Hall of Fame honorees.
Yes - If you have a collection of gymnastics magazines.
Yes - If you like to collect signatures. Roots permits you to do this easily.
Yes - If you have seen the movie “Gymkata.”
Yes - If you have been to the Olympic Games or World Championships.
Yes - If you are a former tumbler, rope climber or can do a “Coffee Grinder.”
Yes - If you know the gymnastic meaning of “Mag Seven.” (Not “Magnificent”)
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ORDERING INFORMATION Use the convenient form below to order your copy of roots. Single copies are $35. Multiple orders will be discounted as follows: 2-10 copies, @ $30 each; 11-20 copies @ $25 each; more than 20 copies @ $20 each (All prices include shipping costs.)
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Send orders payable to the Roots Project - 1043 11th Ave. Wilmington, DE 19808
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Contracts for selling 10 or 20 copies are available. Seller can earn $50 or $100. One free copy of Roots will be sent to the seller. Additionally, 2 extra copies will be sent to those who pay for 10 or 20 copies in advance. Contact gymroots@infionline.net for additional information.
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