The Game (Dryden book)
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| Name | The Game |
| Author | Ken Dryden |
| Country | Canada |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Non-fiction, Sports literature |
| Publisher | Macmillan of Canada |
| Pub date | 1983 |
| Media type | Print (Hardcover, Paperback) |
| Pages | 288 |
| Isbn | 0-7715-9795-2 |
The Game (Dryden book). A seminal work of sports literature by Canadian Hockey Hall of Fame goaltender and author Ken Dryden. Published in 1983, the book is a reflective, first-person account of Dryden's final National Hockey League season with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1978-79 campaign. Blending memoir, philosophical inquiry, and sharp observation, it transcends the genre to offer a profound meditation on professional sports, team dynamics, and the psychology of excellence. Widely acclaimed, it is considered one of the greatest sports books ever written and cemented Dryden's reputation as a formidable intellectual voice.
Overview
The Game (Dryden book) is structured as a diary of Ken Dryden's thoughts and experiences across the final weeks of his storied career with the legendary Montreal Canadiens dynasty of the late 1970s. Far more than a simple memoir, the book employs Dryden's unique perspective as a goaltender—a position of isolated observation—to dissect the intricate culture of a professional hockey team. He delves into the personalities of teammates like Larry Robinson, Guy Lafleur, and Scotty Bowman, while also analyzing the broader pressures of professional sports in North America. The narrative is interwoven with reflections on his own life, including his education at McGill University and Cornell University, and the societal role of athletes.
Plot summary
The narrative follows the Montreal Canadiens as they pursue another Stanley Cup championship during the 1978-79 NHL season. Dryden chronicles the daily rhythms of professional athletes, from grueling practices and long road trips to the intense focus of playoff games. Key events include the team's battles against rivals like the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers, culminating in their Stanley Cup Finals victory over the New York Rangers. However, the "plot" is secondary to Dryden's internal monologue, which captures the mental fatigue, the camaraderie, and the poignant awareness of an impending retirement. The book concludes with Dryden's final game at the Montreal Forum and his contemplative exit from the sport at the peak of his success.
Characters
The book provides intimate portraits of the key figures within the Montreal Canadiens organization. Dryden analyzes the brilliant, mercurial scoring of Guy Lafleur and the steady leadership of captain Serge Savard. He offers insights into the defensive prowess of Larry Robinson and the complex, demanding coaching style of Scotty Bowman. Other notable teammates profiled include Bob Gainey, Steve Shutt, and Jacques Lemaire. Dryden also reflects on opponents like Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr, and discusses the influential management of Sam Pollock. His own character is central, presented as a thoughtful observer caught between the worlds of academia and professional athletics.
Themes and analysis
Dryden explores the relentless pursuit of perfection and the psychological burden of maintaining excellence within a dynasty like the Montreal Canadiens. He examines the nature of teamwork and leadership, questioning how individual talent coalesces into a champion. A major theme is the identity of the professional athlete, analyzing the isolation, public scrutiny, and shortened career span. Dryden also critiques the violent aspects of hockey and its place in Canadian culture, connecting the sport to broader themes of national identity and masculinity. The book is noted for its literary quality, drawing comparisons to works by George Plimpton and serving as a foundational text in the critical study of sports culture.
Publication and reception
Published in 1983 by Macmillan of Canada, The Game (Dryden book) was an immediate critical and commercial success. It won the Governor General's Award for English-language non-fiction that year, a rare honor for a sports book. Reviews in publications like The New York Times and The Globe and Mail praised its intellectual depth and elegant prose, hailing it as a masterpiece that redefined sports writing. The book has remained in print for decades, influencing a generation of writers and journalists. Its legacy is such that it is frequently cited alongside Norman Maclean's *A River Runs Through It* and Roger Angell's baseball writings as a pinnacle of American literary non-fiction about sports.
Category:1983 non-fiction books Category:Canadian non-fiction books Category:Sports books Category:Books about ice hockey