Turfgrass History and Literature ─ Lawns, Sports, and Golf

The true heritage of turfgrass science and culture is best represented by an extensive historical record encompassing the principles, cultural practices, grasses, materials, and equipment that have been developed over the course of 300 years by turfgrass scientists, private companies, professional turfgrass managers, and amateur practitioners. A detailed chronicle of the evolution and history of turfgrass by the leading expert in the field, this book documents the use of turfgrass worldwide as reflected in early publications and photographs and explores the development of its science and culture. In Beard’s compilation, resumes of book authors characterize their historical activities and contributions to the turfgrass field, providing an extensive bibliography of turfgrass texts, research development, and educational programs via reviews, scientific journals, research reports, and trade publications. Selected quotes and unique original photographs depict early activities, equipment, and conditions and their evolution in the turfgrass field. The books, proceedings, and reports cited in this text are drawn primarily from the comprehensive James B Beard Turfgrass Collection donated to the Michigan State University Turfgrass Information Center in 2003. The holdings at this library represent the most extensive collection of turfgrass-related publications available today.

James B Beard is the President and Chief Scientist at the International Sports Turf Institute in College Station, Texas. Harriet J. Beard, wife of James B for 58 years, has typed all his books and manuscripts. James C Beard has been a golf professional since 1984, and is a Life Member of the PGA of America and a part-time photographer.