Description
THE SILVER FERN – the proud
emblem of New Zealand,
synonymous with resolution, endeavour
and glorious sporting achievement for
150 years. Hundreds of New Zealanders
have brought recognition and respect to
these isolated isles through a very
international medium – sport.
Silver Fern is a tribute to the
sportsmen and women who have forged
a proud tradition of success on the
sporting stages of the world. As a
nation we have shared their
disappointments and celebrated their
successes – they have united us and
made us proud to be New Zealanders.
Silver Fern celebrates the great teams
and individuals who have had such an
impact on the development of New
Zealand. From the early versions of a
multitude of codes came the refined
excellence of “Torpedo” Billy Murphy
and Anthony Wilding.
The inter-war years brought the
1924 Invincibles and Olympic glory
from Morgan and Lovelock. Peter Snell
and Yvette Williams shone in the ’50s
and ’60s, along with our first-ever
cricket test victory and sublime rugby
that captured the nation’s imagination.
The modern-day heroes have
assumed the mantle – the
performances of Walker and Hadlee, the
equine excellence of Mark Todd and
world champions in netball and rugby.
Silver Fern is a reflection of our
nation’s proudest sporting achievements,
the crowning glory of 150 years of
emotion, pride and tenacity, which has
so often put our tiny nation where it
seemed to have no right to be – on top
of the world.
TERRY McLEAN, or “T.P.” as his
initial byline would have it, is an
institution in New Zealand sporting
journalism.
From modest beginnings at the
Taranaki Daily News, he moved to the
Sports Post in Wellington, at which time
the imperialistic intentions of the Axis
Powers caused a hiatus in his
journalistic career.
Returning from the Second World
War after six years’ service, “T.P.” was
invited to become sports editor of the
New Zealand Herald. His acceptance
began years of rugby tours, golf
tournaments and bowling carnivals,
searching for personalities and angles by
which to apply his craft.
In 1961 came the Herald’s equivalent
of a Royal accolade; he was awarded a
byline for his daily stories, an honour
previously exclusive to feature articles.
His experiences have produced
authorship of 27 books between 1954
and 1989, each one providing new
insights on the sports and their
personalities.
Terry “T.P.” McLean is in the
twilight of his fine career and this book
is testimony to his marvellous writing
and boundless sporting knowledge.
Hardcover.
199 pages.
In very good to excellent condition with the exception of the paper book jacket (the back side of the jacket has a 50 to 75 mm tear). A beautiful book.