I've heard about this book and seen a few pages on Anthony Edgeworth's website. From a golf architecture perspective, is it worth $90? Are there pictures or text that aren't available in Ran's reviews or in other prominent architecture books and magazines?

Thanks!

Thanks, Mike!

Peter:

If you want the lowdown on how to mingle with the elite (wine and cheese) types get the book.

The book outlines the blood lines and all the "inside" info on who and what goes on. I mean it's a great conversation piece on who is wearing what Polo and Armani outfits and other pertinent information of this type.

The architecture side in the book is extremely lite and more than likely will not provide you with any more information than you likely know already.

It is beautifully photographed though.

TEPaul:

I would have hoped the folks responsible for the book would have contacted you for the all important topics as to what knife to use when cutting one's entree and what type of brandy is preferred when all the folks retire.

I mean it's important to get sources familiar with all that arcane minutia. I mean you're "in" from the Main Line all the way to the Palm Beach / Hobe Sound area.

Tom -- I'm simply riff raff. Likely, it would be best if I entered the grounds simply through the "delivery" area if at all.

I'd love to see a future edition with you in a smoking jacket in the den with the English matiff at your feet pontificating about another Paul-ism of utter importance.

Curious, what 12 clubs are covered in this book?

Besides those previously listed, the other two clubs showcased are Somerset Hills and Newport.

I highly recommend this book.  What makes it a great addition to your collection is that it is different than any other compilation book out there.  There is a thorough history of the beginning of all of the clubs along with their highs and lows.  Getting some behind the scenes info was fascinating to me.  

It doesn't try to be a book that focuses on the architecture of the golf courses.  The authors knew what they wanted to showcase with each club and they did it very well.

Matt:

It's funny you should say that because this is the honest to God's truth. About five or so years ago a friend of mine asked me to come over to have lunch and meet this friend of his called Anthony Edgeworth who was doing another golf book, this one called "The Legendary Clubs of the American East". That fellow had already lent me Anthony Edgeworth's first photo book of courses and holes in Europe---and an exceptionally beautiful book it was. For some reason, I figured Anthony Edgeworth had to be some aristocratic English chap with a name like that and all. To my surprise Anthony Edgeworth turned out to be a beautifully dressed, suave but fast talking, sometimes profane ex Marine and ex New York fashion photographer!! My mission and the reason I was asked to lunch was to gain Anthony access to the Fishers Island club for his new book. Well, I thought that would be a piece of cake if I'd ever eaten one seeing as who I know up there. Not at all---there wasn't a thing I could do about it, nor could anyone else I knew. But if I had your contacts at places like that I might've had a chance of pulling it off for poor Anthony!


 

TEPaul:

Everytime I see Gilligan's Island I think you would play the role of Thurston Howell perfectly in any 2nd remake. You have the "air" of greatness -- you should have told the brothers at the bar that your shirt and pants -- in fact, the whole clothing line, was monagramed with not only your name but the official club seal !!!

TEPaul:

Of course they might have asked you if it would be OK for them to play on Mondays -- when the course is closed.

In that event you'd likely respond that the "royal" clubs you play at are so snooooooooooooty they prefer that no one -- including the members -- plays!