We all know croquet is no longer just a fun backyard game. Tournament croquet is a different game, a serious game, and a serious sport. But have you ever tried to explain the game to someone outside of the sport; why you love it, why you are obsessed with this elusive game, or why you are about to travel hundreds of miles to compete in a tournament?  It isn’t easy.

I want to tell you about a remarkable book, SERIOUS CROQUET, a new 11” x 14” full-color, table-top book, which clearly illustrates the artistry, emotions and camaraderie of competitive croquet. It combines artistic, gallery-like photographs and portraits by Bob Chilton, exhibited photographer; philanthropist and championship-level croquet player, with the delightful narrative and captivating prose of John Osborn, writer/reporter, tournament director and multi-year National Croquet Champion. Together they captured the beauty of this sport, showing over 70 of its U.S. players in all their diversity and explaining why we play the game.

This hardcover, cocktail-table-worthy book will be introduced to croquet and sports enthusiasts at a launch party at the National Croquet Center in West Palm Beach on Monday, November 14th, the first evening of the USCA Seniors & Masters Tournament.  If you plan to attend, RSVP to sandy@croquetnational.com by 11/07/11.

Through Bob Chilton’s remarkable generosity, every penny of the proceeds from the book is being donated to support The Croquet Foundation of America and the United States Croquet Association.

As a Croquet player, we invite you to take part in this unique opportunity that will give you enjoyment, inform others about our beloved sport, and raise funds for our key organizations as well.

There are three purchase options for this beautiful 11” X 14”, 148-page, four-color book:
200 “Collectors’ Edition” copies will be signed and numbered, and will be housed in a
handsome, presentation slipcase. Each will include an 8” x 10” gallery-quality print,
suitable for framing, of a photo of your choice from the book, $300 each.
300 books will come in the same handsome, presentation slipcase, $100 each.
The remaining 500 first-edition books will be available for just $50 each.

For a unique personal or holiday gift that will be cherished for years and that is a guaranteed conversation-starter, orders can now be placed by filling out the attached order form, contacting Bobbi Segal at the National Croquet Center at bobbisegal@yahoo.com  or call her at 561-478-2300 Ext 6. Order fulfillment will begin later this month.

 Here’s what others are saying about SERIOUS CROQUET:

“Bob Chilton’s portraits define the diversity of the people who play the serious sport of croquet. He paints them with the light of Vermeer and the truthfulness of Diane Arbus.”
Burt Finger, Gallery Director, PDNB Fine Photographic Gallery.

“Bob Chilton’s skill as a photographer is extraordinary, and his involvement with croquet positions him well to tell a great story visually about our sport. I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy!”
Bob Kroeger, published author, professional croquet instructor and championship-level player.

“This is probably the most engaging and artistically beautiful look at the world of serious croquet ever published. It’s a striking achievement and a ‘must have’ for any serious croquet player or sports enthusiast.”
W. David McCoy, championship-level player and General Manager, National Croquet Center.

Sincerely,

W. David McCoy, Treasurer
Croquet Foundation of America