‘The Sweet Science': A.J. Liebling's Chronicle of Boxing Culture
For a pastime defined by competitive brutality and associations with organized crime, boxing has attracted the affection of remarkable writers. The list of American luminaries who have analyzed the sport equals those of baseball, football and basketball, and includes Norman Mailer, James Baldwin, Joyce Carol Oates and Ernest Hemingway.
But A.J. Liebling did it best, in his 1956 volume 'The Sweet Science.' The book's title is a phrase coined by 19th-century British journalist Pierce Egan, whom Liebling quotes frequently, calling him 'the Herodotus of the London prize ring' and comparing him to Thucydides. The longtime New Yorker writer also cites Mozart, the Duke of Wellington, James Joyce and the Battle of Gallipoli in the pages of 'The Sweet Science,' a collection of his magazine pieces. Its mixture of highbrow culture and lowbrow fighting is among its signatures.
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San Francisco Chronicle
23 minutes ago
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Hamilton Spectator
26 minutes ago
- Hamilton Spectator
In White Sox stadium broadcast, Pope Leo XIV sends message of hope to Chicago and the US
In his first words directed specifically to Americans, Pope Leo XIV told young people on Saturday how to find hope and meaning in their lives through God and in service to others. 'So many people who suffer from different experiences of depression or sadness — they can discover that the love of God is truly healing, that it brings hope,' the first American pope said in a video broadcast on the jumbotron at the White Sox baseball stadium in Chicago. The event — set in Leo's hometown and at the home stadium of his favorite major league team — was organized by the Archdiocese of Chicago in honor of his recent election as pope. Leo seized the opportunity to speak directly to young people, tying his message to the Catholic Church's ongoing Jubilee year of hope that was declared by Pope Francis. In Saturday's message, Leo urged those listening in the stadium and online to be beacons of hope capable of inspiring others. 'To share that message of hope with one another — in outreach, in service, in looking for ways to make our world a better place — gives true life to all of us, and is a sign of hope for the whole world.' The afternoon program, emceed by Chicago Bulls announcer Chuck Swirsky, highlighted Leo's roots, including music by the city's Leo Catholic High School Choir and a musician from Peru, according to the event's program. There was also a discussion featuring a former teacher of the pope as well as a high school classmate and fellow Augustinian. The event also celebrated the mixing of Catholicism and baseball, including a special invitation from the team for Leo to throw out a ceremonial first pitch at a future White Sox game. Leo, formerly Robert Prevost, was elected May 8, becoming the first American pope in the 2,000-year history of the church. Leo, 69, spent his career serving as an Augustinian missionary and ministering in Peru before taking over the Vatican's powerful office of bishops. He succeeded Pope Francis, who died April 21. 'When I see each and every one of you, when I see how people gather together to celebrate their faith, I discover myself how much hope there is in the world,' Leo said in the video message. The program was to be followed by a Mass celebrated by Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago who was part of the conclave that elected Leo. ___ Associated Press religion coverage receives support through the AP's collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Chicago Tribune
36 minutes ago
- Chicago Tribune
Photos: Mass for Pope Leo XIV at Chicago White Sox's Rate Field
The Archdiocese of Chicago celebrated the historic election of Chicago-born Pope Leo XIV on June 14 at Rate Field, home of the White Sox. The program included music, film, in-person testimonials and prayer. A Catholic Mass will be celebrated afterward. On May 8, Prevost made history as the first American-born pope in the Catholic church's 2,000-year history. The 69-year-old Augustinian missionary was raised in south suburban Dolton and earned his master's in divinity from Chicago Theological Union.
