Robert Pattinson and Uma Thurman star in this sumptuous Paris-set period drama based on the novella by Guy de Maupassant. Georges Duroy (Pattinson) is a suave and handsome young journalist using his wits and powers of manipulation to make his way in 1890s Paris. In order to ascend the social ladder, Duroy seduces a string of influential society beauties including Madeleine Forestier (Thurman), Virginie Walters (Kristen Scott Thomas) and Clotilde de Marelle (Christina Ricci). His peasant background has soon become a distant memory as he achieves dizzying success both in his career and in fashionable society.

Though they were never able to compete against the Negro League squads, both the St. Paul Gophers and their rivals, the Minneapolis Keystones, had talent and depth that rivaled those of the more famous Negro League teams. This work covers the history of these two teams and the players that made them up, recounting their successes, including the careers of George Wilson and John Donaldson. Contains over fifty rarely seen photographs of the Gophers and Keystones, as well as yearly chronologies and statistics for the two squads, player histories, and rosters for every significant Minnesota black club.

How good was Negro League Baseball (1920-1948)? Some experts maintain that the quality of play was equal to that of the American and National Leagues. Some believe the Negro Leagues should be part of Major League Baseball's official record and that more NL players should be in the Hall of Fame. Skeptics contend that while many players could be rated highly, NL organizations were minor league at best. Drawing on the most comprehensive data available, including stats from more than 2000 interracial games, this study finds that black baseball was very good indeed. Negro leaguers beat the big leaguers more than half the time in head-to-head contests, demonstrated stronger metrics within their own leagues and excelled when finally allowed into the majors. The author documents the often duplicitous manner in which MLB has dealt with the legacy of the Negro Leagues. A detailed history of early pro black ball is included, along with the stories of several legendary players and teams.