Book Review: Historic Photos of University of Michigan Football

As the Michigan Football program is going through a tough spot currently, it is always nice to look back at the storied tradition of the program to ease the pain of the current difficulties. It has often been said that "a picture is worth a thousand words" and it is with that phrase in mind that this week I review the book Historic Photos of University of Michigan Football (Turner Publishing; $39.95). If indeed a picture is worth a thousand words, then this book is an epic as it traces the tale of the Michigan Football program over the course of one hundred years from the humble origins in 1879 through the amazing successes of Bo during his first ten years (1969-1979). The photographs come from the unparalleled University of Michigan Bentley Historical Library. The text and captions, provided by Bentley Historical Library contract researcher Michelle O'Brien, are extremely well done as they help both explain and punctuate the incredible photographs selected for the book. (A brief video showing a small sample of the book's photos can be found below). All the photos are in black-and-white and take the reader on an incredible journey through the years as the program evolved into the winningest program in college football history. The photos provide a true insider's view of the evolution of the program. This book is a must-have for any Michigan Football fan. Many books have been written about the program over the years and many of those books re-hash the same stories. This book tells the Michigan story in an exquisitely well done and unique way. Whether you know a die-hard fan or just like well done photograph books, I highly recommend this book for you and yours. Grade: A+ Go Blue!