String Idea: David Foster Wallace on Tennis: A Library of America Particular Publication

Must-have volume for fans of tennis and/or great writing
You don’t have to be a tennis fan to enjoy this collection of David Foster Wallace stories on the sport. From his autobiographical “How Tracy Austin Broke My Heart” to the pinnacle of tennis (and maybe even sports) writing – “[Roger] Federer as Religious Experience” – this book covers the best from the late, great writer. You can find each of the essays online with some creative Googling, but there’s something about reading these in print in this beautiful, hard-bound, green volume that is a must-have addition for the bookshelf of fans of tennis, writing or both. I’ve read each of these at least five times and still find new things to enjoy every time.

Genius text from a genius
Yes…. It’s about tennis but so much more! Improve your game as you stimulate your brain.

Great birthday gift for the novice tennis player
Book was a gift

Some Essays Are Phenomenal, Some Are Just Fine
Overall, glad I read this book and will read more by David Foster Wallace because he’s not afraid of directly speaking his mind, even if it creates enemies/hurt feelings in the process, which on a genuine level is rare. Some of the essays are phenomenal (esp. the one that tears a sports book apart, but concludes essentially saying, ‘what can you expect from a pro athlete, perfection on the court and in their writing abilities to convey how winning feels?’); however, some of them I had to force myself to keep reading despite sometimes getting bored with all the facts. It was one of the 5 books Bill Gates recommended in 2016 and did not disappoint. I recommend everyone reads this book because it (1) provides insight into a topic many of us are not familiar with while (2) also remaining relevant and a worthwhile investment of leisure time for the reader.

“String Theory: David Foster Wallace on Tennis” is a collection of five essays written by David Foster Wallace about his passion for tennis. First published in 2016, the book compiles some of Wallace’s best sports writing, focusing on tennis as both a professional sport and a deeply personal pursuit. Wallace, an avid tennis player in his youth, uses the essays to explore the beauty, intensity, and psychology of the game, while also offering insights into his broader themes of human effort, obsession, and performance.Overview of the Essays1. “Derivative Sport in Tornado Alley”: This autobiographical essay reflects on Wallace’s time as a junior tennis player growing up in the flat, windy Midwest. He connects the experience of learning to play tennis in these conditions to larger philosophical ideas, such as the randomness of life and how people navigate forces beyond their control.2. “How Tracy Austin Broke My Heart”: In this piece, Wallace reviews tennis star Tracy Austin’s autobiography. He is puzzled and ultimately disappointed by the book’s lack of depth, despite Austin’s incredible achievements. Wallace uses the essay to explore the disconnect between athletic genius and self-awareness, concluding that perhaps being a great athlete requires a certain obliviousness to the complexities of life that makes writing about those experiences difficult.3. “Tennis Player Michael Joyce’s Professional Artistry as a Paradigm of Certain Stuff About Choice, Freedom, Discipline, Joy, Grotesquerie, and Human Completeness”: This essay, originally written for Esquire, profiles journeyman player Michael Joyce during the 1995 Canadian Open. Wallace focuses on the grueling, thankless work of being a lower-ranked professional tennis player. Through Joyce’s experience, Wallace contemplates the nature of dedication and artistry in a sport that can often seem dominated by stars.4. “The String Theory”: Originally published in The New York Times Magazine, this essay is considered one of Wallace’s finest pieces of sports journalism. It details the professional tennis circuit from the perspective of an outsider. Wallace blends sharp observations about the game’s physical and mental demands with meditations on fame, isolation, and the incredible talent required to compete at the highest level.5. “Federer Both Flesh and Not”: Perhaps the most famous of his tennis essays, Wallace writes with awe about Roger Federer, whom he describes as a “religious experience” for anyone who watches him play. This essay is a celebration of Federer’s physical grace and mastery of tennis, but also a reflection on the transcendence that can occur in sports when human effort reaches a sublime level.Strengths of the Book1. Masterful prose: Wallace’s writing is energetic, insightful, and precise, reflecting both his deep love for tennis and his talent as a writer. His ability to blend technical analysis with personal reflection, humor, and larger philosophical musings makes these essays engaging and unique, even for readers who are not tennis fans.2. Insightful perspective on sports and performance: Wallace doesn’t just describe tennis matches or players; he delves into the psychology of athletes, the culture of the sport, and the personal toll it can take. He presents tennis as a microcosm of larger human struggles—control, effort, and the pursuit of perfection.3. Philosophical depth: True to Wallace’s style, the essays offer philosophical reflections on topics like the nature of talent, discipline, and the isolation that comes with extraordinary achievement. He explores how athletes balance physical prowess with mental resilience, and how their narrow focus on a single goal shapes their identity.4. Variety of focus: The book offers a range of perspectives, from the glamorous heights of Federer’s career to the gritty, behind-the-scenes world of lesser-known players like Michael Joyce. This variety gives the reader a comprehensive picture of tennis as a sport, industry, and form of art.Criticisms of the Book1. Tennis-specific jargon: For readers who are unfamiliar with tennis, some of Wallace’s writing might be difficult to follow. He uses technical terms and often delves into detailed analysis of the sport’s mechanics, which may not appeal to casual readers or those without a solid understanding of tennis.2. Dense and complex writing style: Wallace’s signature style includes long, intricate sentences, footnotes, and digressions. While this is a hallmark of his writing, it can also be overwhelming for readers who prefer straightforward prose. The essays demand focus and may feel overly complex for those looking for light sports writing.3. Less focus on broader themes: Although Wallace touches on universal themes like talent and discipline, some readers may find that the essays stick too closely to tennis itself. While there are philosophical undertones, the subject matter is often deeply embedded in the sport, which may limit its appeal to those who are not sports enthusiasts.Conclusion“String Theory” showcases David Foster Wallace’s love for tennis and his ability to turn a seemingly niche subject into a profound exploration of human performance and artistry. His writing captures the technical beauty of the game while also offering deep reflections on the challenges and rewards of athletic excellence.For tennis fans, the collection is a must-read, offering insights into the sport from one of the most thoughtful observers of the game. For general readers, it’s an opportunity to experience Wallace’s brilliance in a less overwhelming format, though some of the tennis jargon and detailed analysis may be challenging. Overall, String Theory is a celebration of tennis, talent, and the philosophical richness of sports.

Besteht aus mehreren Kurzgeschichten. Die erste war okay, mehr nicht. Aber danach ein tolles Buch, über die Schönheit des Sports aber auch extrem kritisch, wie man es eigentlich nicht gewohnt ist. Nimmt kein Blatt vor dem Mund und geht mit dem Sport und den Profis härter ins Gericht.

A very thin book and these essays have all been published elsewhere. But, it is great to have them in a compilation. Nobody writes about tennis better than David Foster Wallace.