Theater in A Squared Circle

Released in 1999, Theater In A Squared Circle by Jeff Archer is a creative book dividing wrestling into a set of acts like a stage play. Sheet writers, journalists, heels, promoters...there are examples from all angles within.

I am especially pleased with the Dale Pierce section.

There is also a lengthy chapter on the late Louie Spicolli.

Spicolli had numerous matches for the Indies in the late 1980s and early 1990s before hitting the big time, falling into "the lifestyle" and tragically dying. This book may well offer one of the finest profiles ever on this fallen star.

In his Indy days, Spicolli faced The Ranger, John Ringer, Sgt.Shultz, Steve Vega, Eruption, The Beast, Section 8, Thrillseeker and others, sometimes as a  villain but usually as a fan favorite.

You can read a lot about Arizona in this book, which for a change pays attention to this overlooked area.

There is also a long chapter on Killer Kowalski, one of the most fascinating wrestlers and certainly one of the greatest storytellers to ever enter the trade.

There are also several fine photos in the text.

The greatest thing about this book is how it placed focus on some of the lesser known people and those behind the scenes, not commonly dealt with elsewhere. A far cry from the flood of WWE propaganda books that have since flooded the market.

A worthy item for any wrestling library.