Touchdown!

by Harold M. Sherman

229 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1927

About the author

Harold Morrow Sherman (1898-1987) was world renowned in the field of psychic research, and conducted experiments with such prominent persons as well-known Arctic explorer Sir Hubert Wilkins, ESP pioneer Dr. J.B. Rhine of Duke University, astronaut Edgar Mitchell, and many others. Apart from his research into mental telepathy and the mysteries of the mind, Sherman's lifelong writing career encompassed best-selling books on a variety of subjects ranging from sports stories for boys to books on self-help and the afterlife. He also wrote plays, several of which were produced on Broadway, and co-wrote the screenplay for several Hollywood films. For decades Sherman was a popular New Thought lecturer, and in later years hosted annual ESP workshops that drew such guests as Uri Geller, Arthur Ford, Gloria Swanson and many other big names. Not among the least of his accomplishments were his activities for the betterment of Stone County in Arkansas, his adopted state.

Reviews

[Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of the early Harold M. Sherman juvenile sports novels. He went on to a very successful career as a psychic researcher, lecturer, and adult author, but wrote a lot of boys' adventure fiction in the 1920s and '30s. Touchdown! (several of his books came complete with their own exclamation point in the title, as well as many scattered throughout the text), tells the story of the rivalry between two schools, Milford and Reedland, both off and on the field. The football content doesn't begin until halfway through the book; the first half concerns a bicycle race and camping competition in the summer before the season begins. The Milford squad are the viewpoint characters, most of whom have names like Brick, Stuffy, Beef, and Pepper. It's interesting to read about the game itself as it was played almost a century ago; much less passing and a lot more punting for field position and a lack of protective equipment like helmets. The story is simple but fun and engaging, if a little unrealistic; kids' literature at the time was expected to be morally instructive. The lesson in this one is to keep a positive attitude but not become arrogant, and to never lose hope and stay persistent.