Scholar and Athlete: Homage to Allen Guttmann

This autobiographical essay recalls Allen Guttmann’s early career as an American studies scholar, his influential role as a mentor, and his dedication as a professor of American literature and a teacher of English composition at Amherst College. The essay captures his shift from American studies to sport studies, focusing on the seminal impact of From Ritual to Record (1978), Guttmann’s first book about sport. The essay also provides a brief eyewitness, anecdotal account (covering several decades) of Guttmann’s own athletic activities, including tennis and jogging.