Hustler & The Champ: Willie Mosconi, Minnesota Fats, And The Rivalry That Defined Pool

Upon completing this book, I can say I found it very informative along with being a great story. I have read the autobiographies of both Willie and Minnesota Fats and this book had numerous facts about the two I was unaware of. The book begins by explaining how there televised match originated, then goes on to chronicle the history and careers of both men. I don't think you can say Fats really had a "career" as much as a life spent hustling and gambling. Willie sure had one with all the World Championships and his lifetime spent doing exhibitions all over the country. Keep in mind that the book has much more history on Willie than Fats. The book then tells of their televised match. This part was excellent reading as he told of Fats "starting in" on Willie before the pool match even began. I read this part twice and had to laugh at the things he said and pictured him saying them on T.V. (CLASSIC FATS). The book talks about a few other meetings between the two as well as a little on their lives after pool. I thought it was kind of sad how both ended up.If I had one negative thing to say, it was maybe a little dry during the middle chapters.What I liked most was what the author gives us to think about at the end. Even though Willie absolutely detested Fats, Fats did a lot for pools popularity and Willie's. I believe the book claimed their original televised match had a 30 % share. That's incredible when you think about it. Willie had the records and championships but Fats was like the original one man show. Like Minnesota Fats said to Willie Mosconi...."You gotta have fans".

Ask anyone who the best pool player of all time was, and they may say Minnesota Fats. That's an amazing thing, because he was not the greatest pool player of all time, and the book/movie the Hustler were NOT based on him. Instead, he borrowed the name after the fact. WIllie Mosconi should be on people's short list as one the the greatest pool players of all time, but few know who he is. Such is the nature of people's lack of knowledge of pool history, and the effectiveness of Minnesota Fats' con.This book covers these facts in detail, and covers the rivalry between Minnesota Fats and WIllie Mosconi. It all leads up to the two players contending against each other on ABC's wide world of sports.Both RA Dyer books I have read were a bit dry, but informative. This book was more interesting than the other, though. I suggest anyone wanting to understand either of these players read this book. This information is covered in other places, but in piecemeal fashion.If pool/billiards history is not your thing, I suggest more entertaining books such as 'Playing off the Rail' (non fiction), or 'Stroke' (fiction)

This book is the perfect gift of cool for those who enjoy playing pool and want to know more about how it came by its reputation for tough guys, smoky rooms, and hustler-style gambling. The book is chock full of anecdotes funny enough to read out loud about the lives of two men who exemplify the two "schools of pool" and who fought to define the game. The Great Shoot Out, with the famous sportscaster Howard Cosell, was must-see TV for my father and millions like him who were glued to their sets while Willie Mosconi and the so-called Minnesota Fats went head-to-head in a billiards contest everyone said would never happen. Dyer, who handles the subject with enough respect, enthusiasm, and expertise to be an established columnist for Billiards Digest, has written a second wonderful book that is destined to be one of the classics on the subject of pool and billiards.

Every page for me was like seeing the depression era shooters. The book relates the facts in an “easy” read manner. I read it all in four sittings! Strongly recommend this book!

A good read for anyone who enjoys billiards and is interested in the history of these great players.Lots of stories about lots of champions.Does not show Minnesota Fats in a very good light nor Willie Mosconi as a person who would be fun to be around.Book is a bit redundant, sometimes repeating anecdotes as if the chapters were written individually and then put together.Nonetheless, a good book to read.

It's an interesting book, especially when Dyer is relating about their (Masconi & Fats) earlier days and the rise to prominence. What I found really annoying (hence, the three star rating) was a lot of the footnote numbers referred me to Dyer's other book, "Hustler Days". About half way through, I started thinking that, perhaps I should have bought it instead.

Book very good, was here very quick. I learned alot about Mosconi and Fats. The book is worth buying. (Really good reading if you like History.)

i have heard of willie mosconi and minnesota fats since the early 60s but this book gives me an insight into their lives that i never knew.both their lives border on sad and tragic.it is a shame that willie mosconi,one of the best if not the best in his sport has been almost forgotten by the general public.

Knowledge. Very good information.

Gripping. A delightful read for pool enthusiasts. Delivered in 7 days through global store.