Derby City Stories

A Louisville-themed comic book anthology.

What happens when someone tells you that you're the answer to the riddle of life? What happens when a stranger in Starbucks gives you something that will change your world forever? What happens if the world starts to fall asleep, hour by hour? City Stories is a new type of cabaret drama, a sequence of interwoven love stories, and a love-letter to London. Composed up of five discrete yet interwoven stories, each taking the form of a monologue or duologue, and performed with specifically composed songs, City Stories looks at a variety of experiences of love and loss via a range of people living in the UK's capital. Elegantly written and beautifully constructed, these pieces look at the varieties of love and how it might save us, showing James Phillips's writing at his very best. City Stories received its world premiere at St James's Theatre, London, in 2013 and has since gone on to establish a year-long residency at the theatre.

Roller derby is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world. From the history of the sport to strategy to gear, Derby Life will teach you what you need to know to get rolling. This book can't teach you how to skate, but it will get you up to speed on everything else! Veteran skaters will appreciate chapters on building mental toughness, dealing with derby drama, and getting back in the game after an injury.Derby Life also includes advice from roller derby greats, and personal stories and beautiful photographs from derby people all over the world.

They say every Derby has its story. It could be a remarkable trainer, a last-place finish for a first-place horse, or a newfound overseas interest in the race. Whatever the subject, the legends and history of each year's run create the enthusiasm and drive that bring thousands back time and time again. And just like its counterparts--the Super Bowl, the World Series, and the Indy 500-there are legends and stories to be told that exemplify the fervor that begins in Louisville nearly a whole month before the race. Kentucky Derby Stories captures that spirit with fifteen stories, both old and new, that feature the best moments in the Derby's history. Author Jim Bolus spotlights the men and women who began and maintained the race-from the black jockeys to Mr. Derby Col. Matt Winn to Ben Jones, the Derby's most-remembered trainer. This collection also focuses an eye on the runners, some whose greatness was a surprise to all. Some have been geldings, others competitors in famed rivalries, and there are those who came from nowhere to win the race. No matter what the circumstances in the victory, Bolus takes note of the most memorable horses decorating the winners circle. Finally, this compilation looks at the unique elements of the Derby as seen over more than a century. Who are the celebrities who attend and have their stake in the race? What overseas nation is taking a winner's interest in the Derby? These are just a few of the unpredictable sides of the run that Bolus and his stories introduce. Sportswriter and Derby historian Jim Bolus recounts some of the crowning moments at Churchill Downs. From the first official race in 1875 to today's Derby, these stories present the beginnings of the traditions that continue to make up the Derby's history. Amusing, and inspiring, Kentucky Derby Stories is a reminiscent look back for aficionados and a glimpse at a piece of Americana for newcomers.

A history of the bustling riverside city of Derby, covering the secrets behind some of its key places of interest and the fascinating heritage lodged in this area’s industrial past.

'I was 12th man for England against Wales at Wembley. Within a few minutes, the Welsh half-back broke his collar bone. They had no reserves and I as the only spare player to hand. That's how I made my international debut - for Wales.' - Stan Mortensen, Blackpool and England. When Britain declared war on Germany in September 1939, football came to an abrupt halt. Large crowds were banned, stadiums were given over to military use, most players joined up. Then it was realised that if victory was the national goal, soccer could help - and football went to war. For the next six years the game became hugely important to Britain. Boosting morale among servicemen, munitions workers and beleaguered citizens alike - and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for war funds. It was a game with plenty of human stories. Some footballers were dubbed 'PT commandos' or 'D-Day dodgers'. Others, however, saw action. Pre-war heroes on the pitch became wartime heroes off it. This book captures the atmosphere of the time and tells the story of a unique period in football's history.