Boston Celtics Basketball Vault

Book excerpt: In 1946, Boston hardly seemed like a city where basketball's most successful franchise would take root and grow. It was a hockey town, and original Celtics owner Walter Brown knew almost nothing about basketball. Still, as head of the Boston Garden-Arena Corporation, he jumped at the chance to own part of the new club. The Boston Celtics Basketball Vault: The History of a Proud Franchise recounts that humble beginning and details how the team rose from mediocrity to become arguably America's most successful sports franchise. Author Roland Lazenby includes tales about such celebrated Hall of Famers as Bob Cousy, John Havlic, Tom Heinsohn, Bailey Howell, Dave Cowens, Larry Bird, Kevin McHale and Robert Parish. Fans will also discover vintage photographs, artwork and memorabilia drawn from the Boston Celtics' archives, including rereproductions of old game programs, historic tickets, stickers and other amazing replicas tucked into dozens of pockets.