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SPORT AND BOOKS

OK, so one involves sitting still while the other is more about running around, or jumping, or perhaps throwing something. But the titles on the EnCompass 'Sport in Literature' booklist show that there's plenty of common ground. So test your knowledge of books about sport by taking the EnCompass quiz. On your marks, get set...

 

Question 1.
Which footballing icon was the subject of a book by bitchy columnist Julie Burchill?

Peter Beardsley

George Best

Jimmy Hill

David Beckham
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Question 2.
Which of Martin Amis's novels is set amidst the murky and competitive world of darts?

London Fields

The Rachel Papers

Yellow Dog

Experience
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Question 3.
Who wrote the lyrical short novel Swimmer, featuring a young girl who finds her early passion for swimming isn't all it's cracked up to be when she turns competitive?

Bill Bailey

Bill Buford

Bill Broady

Bill Bryson
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Question 4.
What's the title of the novel by Simon Mawer about two childhood friends who share a passion for climbing?

The Climb

The Leap

The Fall

The Trip
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Question 5.
In Ian McEwan's novel Saturday which game, ferociously fought out between the central character and a work colleague, is used as a metaphor for larger struggles?

Tennis

Squash

Draughts

Chess
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Question 6.
What was the title of Alan Sillitoe's celebrated story about class struggle and social inequality?

The Loneliness of the Synchronised Swimmer

The Loneliness of the Solo Yachtswoman

The Loneliness of the Changing Room Attendant

The Loneliness of the Long-Distance Runner
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Question 7.
Which Nick Hornby novel pinpoints 1968 as the author's formative year - the year he first went to see Arsenal play football?

About a Boy

Fever Pitch

High Fidelity

How to be Good
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Question 8.
In William McIlvanney's novel The Big Man (also a film starring Liam Neeson), what sport does the 'Big Man' of the title turn to in order to make some money?

Underwater snooker

Blindfolded rugby

Barefoot road running

Bare-knuckle boxing
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Question 9.
In David Storey's novel This Sporting Life, which sport is portrayed as an escape from the daily grind in northern England?

Football

Gymnastics

Rugby League

Hockey
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Question 10.
Which gritty novel by John King has recently been turned into a successful film?

The Tennis Factory

The Badminton Factory

The Lacrosse Factory

The Football Factory
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