The Franchise: A History of Sports Illustrated Magazine

With SI opening up its back issues online in March 2008, MacCambridge's "The Franchise" is worth another look at the creation and evolution of the magazine. The sections on Dan Jenkins and Andre Laguerre are great reads and would fit well in the traditional "bonus" piece section of SI that Laguerre created as editor and Jenkins often filled. The major misconception seems to be that this book is about sports. It is about sport journalism. If you know that going in, you should be pleasantly surprised.

This is an engrossing book for readers who want to understand the interplay between the writers, editors, and publishers of SI - in other words the people who created (and in some cases are still creating) SI. It is NOT for people seeking out behind-the-scenes tidbits concerning the subjects covered in and on the magazine, including the swimsuit models.

It is interesting to see some of the things that MacCambridge writes about are evident in the magazine today. From the glossy covers to the lighter paper used today in SI, MacCambridge brings to light the subtle and not so subtle changes to the magazine in its history.

The slick gloss of the final product(the weekly SI magazine) is deceptive...none of the blood, sweat & tears is evident. An engrossing,eye-opening view of what was/is required to get the magazine out each week.

Michael McCambridge has provided me the inspiration to check my local library, find all the back issues of SI, and read them cover to cover. The author proves what every die-hard sports fan and SI reader has known for years; that SI is the best magazine on the stand. He provides an exhaustive recount of the terrific writers that SI has employed over its lifetime, such as Jenkins, Deford, Blount Jr., Plimpton, and even Kurt Vonnegut. McCambridge fully details SI's transition from the 1950's to the 1990's and presents the magazine's alleged departure from literary quality during this decade. Not only is this book an evenhanded and accurate review, it is an easy read. Any lover of sports and good writing will want more of SI. A great job!