Browse Delaware Authors: Riley, John

Recently recognized by the Delaware Press Association as the best adult non-fiction book of 2019 in the memoir/autobiography category, this book by John Riley features a behind the scenes look at more than six decades of the people, places and events in and around the First State. Beginning with the post-World War II period where the country's possibilities seemed to know no bounds through to the crushing reality of assassinations, the draft and Vietnam, Riley provides a fascinating look back at the people and places of mid-century Wilmington. His riveting account of the draft and subsequent Army years will no doubt resurrect vivid memories for many from the Vietnam generation. Riley also shares his unique experience in Delaware politics, sports and corporate life, including inside stories involving governors, athletes, coaches, and the leaders of some of Delaware's most prominent companies. Notably, Riley provides a detailed eyewitness account of the unraveling of a ninety year old chemical company ravaged by bad business decisions and under assault by an infamous corporate raider.

During the Great Depression, Ed Oliver rose from the caddie ranks to become one of the leading professional golfers in the world. Provided an initial stake by three country club members who saw his potential, he found himself facing golf legends like Walter Hagen and Gene Sarazen. Within a few years he was beating the best of a new younger wave of professionals led by Sam Snead, Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, and Jimmy Demaret. Then, just weeks after overtaking Hogan and Nelson to win the prestigious Western Open, he was suddenly pulled into the U.S. Army with an early draft call, long before his golf tour competitors joined the war effort. He served longer than all of them, losing more than four and a half of his best athletic years. Following the war, he rebuilt his game and drove from coast to coast battling to make a living and support a family of six against the now dominant Snead and Hogan and a new wave of champions like Lloyd Mangrum, Cary Middlecoff, Julius Boros, Billy Casper, Gary Player and Arnold Palmer. Although his long absence took its toll, Oliver still regained his standing among the best and was named to three Ryder Cup teams. He drew large galleries wherever he went, and in 1957 a Sports Illustrated article called him "the most popular player on the circuit." Loved by fans and fellow professionals alike, with his body racked by cancer and facing his final days, he was named honorary captain of the 1961 Ryder Cup team. He died at age 46, just three weeks before they played. This book is more than Oliver's story. It is also the story of the many professionals who rose up from the caddyshacks, survived the Great Depression, served their country in wartime, then came home and built the modern golf tour. They could be called, "Golf's Greatest Generation."