Percy Cerutty book

sorry, the title of the book is "Why Die?"

I have never read the book, but at $416.02 in paperback it had better be a fine bit of wordsmithing.

i recently was at an estate sale and picked it up along with 2 other books (no bugles no drum, kiwis can fly) for $4. are you serious with this $400 thing???

Yes. It's a very good read. I don't know if it's $416 worth of good read. But it's good.

not to rub it in wrote:

i recently was at an estate sale and picked it up along with 2 other books (no bugles no drum, kiwis can fly) for $4. are you serious with this $400 thing???

Was that in Australia or the U.S.?

It's a rare book, so the price would be high.

You got quite a deal.

To the OP..."Why Die?" is an incredibly engaging read. His personal story from early in his life into his later years is rare and offers insight into a man who lived by principles and values that are far outside the mainstream. While much of his training methodology isn't considered best practice today, it is still interesting to read about the philosophy he held toward running and athletics in general. Happy reading!

I read his "Be Fit or Be Damned!" a couple of years ago, and didn't think it was anything special. He was influential in his day, but more a general fitness guy than a running guy. I'd suggest that your time is better spent reading Lydiard. I'll probably chase down a copy of it someday and read it too, so I'm not saying don't.

It's a great read. But I would never pay that much. I have collected a lot of classic running book, and I would never pay that much for a paperback of relatively recent vintage. List it as a "want" on websites like ABE and ebay and a more reasonably price copy will show up eventually

Ok, I'll sell you Be fit or Be damned, Why Die, Athletics, Schoolboy athletics and several letters from Perc himself for 5,000.00. Actually make it 8,000.00. I have a kid going to college next year.

A very enjoyable read, particularly for someone of my vintage and geography. It's far from being a rare book. Most 2d hand book dealers in Australia will get you a copy for $Aus10-15. I bought mine for around that price, also got a Lydiard book dated and signed by the great man himself for a similar price.

I suggest you chase up Aussie 2d hand book stores and see if you can get a copy through them.

I have a copy - it's not for sale. It's in pretty good shape. As others have noted, it's a good read, full of great observations on life and exercise.

How rare are cerutty books?

More a fitness guy than a running guy? You are kidding? He trained many,many world class runners including world/Oly champ, 1500/mile record holder Herb Elliot. Unreal!

love that book