Description
With Refined Disobedience
Book Summary
A thrilling journey through the history and essence of rugby through its most unique protagonists. Journalist and former player Fermín de la Calle combines sports chronicles, unknown anecdotes, and reflections on the values that make this sport a unique experience. From the legendary French "champagne rugby" teams to the all-powerful All Blacks, and passing through figures as unexpected as a Russian prince at Twickenham or a Welsh coach who admired Lorca, the author builds a narrative that celebrates the spirit of an honorable, fraternal, and slightly roguish sport.
What is it about?
With Refined Disobedience brings together a collection of articles and reports that explore the universe of rugby from a literary and personal perspective. The book is not limited to narrating sporting feats, but delves into the human stories behind every play. The reader will discover how a Russian prince left 72,000 spectators speechless in 1936, what led a Welsh coach to admire Federico García Lorca, or the mystery surrounding a New Zealand prop who vanished in the Australian desert. With an educational and accessible style, the author conveys the codes of a sport that smells of mud and beer, where loyalty and brotherhood are as important as victory.
Main themes
- History of rugby and its legends, from the thirties to the present day.
- The values of rugby: honor, fraternity, respect, and team spirit.
- Anecdotes and unique characters who have marked the sport.
- The connection between rugby and culture, literature, and daily life.
- The author’s personal experience as a player and rugby chronicler.
Who is it recommended for?
For rugby fans who want to know the stories behind the great teams and players, as well as for readers interested in quality sports journalism, literary chronicles, and narratives that explore the human dimension of sport. It is also attractive to those seeking a different, cultured, and passionate look at a discipline that transcends mere competition.
What this book offers
- Deep knowledge of the history of rugby and its most emblematic and unknown figures.
- A unique perspective that combines journalistic rigor with the passion of a former player.
- Surprising anecdotes that enrich the understanding of the sport and its culture.
- A reflection on the human values that rugby promotes on and off the field.
- An enjoyable, educational, and evocative read, ideal for enjoying chapter by chapter.
Technical specifications
- Author: Fermín de la Calle Velasco
- Publisher: LIBROS DEL KO, SLL
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: Reports and collection of journalistic articles, Jerez de la Frontera local history, Sports and outdoor recreation, Rugby
- Collection: Various
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: September 2019
- Number of pages: 312
- Weight: 450 g
Editorial review
A work that manages to bridge the gap between authorial sports journalism and literary chronicle. Fermín de la Calle demonstrates encyclopedic knowledge of rugby, but also a narrative sensibility that turns each article into a small collector's item. The book is especially valuable for those who already love the sport, but also for those who want to discover why rugby generates a devotion that goes far beyond the scoreboard. Its accessible tone and structure of independent chapters make it ideal for leisurely reading.