His Ownself: A Semi-Memoir by Anchor Books | Anchor Sports

Overview

In His Ownself, Anchor Books' Anchor Sports presents Dan Jenkins' semi-memoir, a tour through a legendary career as a sportswriter and novelist. From the first byline in a high school paper to a stint at the Fort Worth Press and a long arc of features for Sports Illustrated, Jenkins' voice shines with humor, candor, and a readiness to chase a story wherever it leads. Across Texas, New York, and the road to major tournaments, he describes newsroom rhythms, bustling press rooms, and the surprisingly intimate moments behind iconic games. The result is a knee-slapping, star-studded recollection from one of the sport's most enduring personalities.

What you’ll discover

• A front-row view of how sports journalism evolved over four decades, from local papers to national features.
• Vivid scenes from Masters, U.S. Open, and British Open, with the players, personalities, and pressures that shaped them.
• The craft of storytelling: pacing, voice, and scene-building that bring events to life.
• A sense of place across Texas and New York, including the bustling energy of the press box and clubhouses.
• A distinctive voice that blends humor, warmth, and candor, inviting readers to hear the author's perspective.

Real-life moments you’ll feel

• The energy of a crowded newsroom and the rhythm of deadlines that decide which headlines land first.
• Late-night banter and memorable conversations at Elaine's, a backdrop to a long career in the spotlight.
• Travel days with the press corps: hotels, airports, and the anticipation before a big event.
• The ritual of game-day coverage: press conferences, locker-room whispers, and the tension before a pivotal moment.
• Encounters with notable figures—from fellow writers to stars of sports and culture—left as impressions on the page.

This memoir offers a look at sports writing as it evolved, while inviting readers to imagine how storytelling, curiosity, and perseverance can shape a life in the public eye. It is a book for fans of sports history, journalism, and engaging, character-driven storytelling—presented as possibilities rather than promises.