Today, we're looking at The Bruins in black and white: 1966 to the 21^st Century, by Richard A. Johnson and Brian Codagnone.

Boston has been one of my favorite teams for years, because of the history and the players that have played for the club, especially in this time frame that the book covers.

This book starts out as the team is into a stretch of 8 straight seasons without making the playoffs. On the other hand, there are also pictures of a very young defenseman who will eventually help turn the club around; one Robert (Bobby) Orr. With the addition of Phil Esposito and Derek Sanderson, the team soon begins a resurgence and wins the Stanley Cup in 1970 and 1972. Unfortunately, because of the WHA and players defecting to that league, as well as the surging Montreal Canadiens, Boston was unable to create a true dynasty.

At the end of the 70s, Ray Bourque's arrival is heralded, and the 80's begin. In the middle of the decade, a lopsided trade is briefly mentioned; Barry Pederson to Vancouver for Cam Neely and a 1^st rounder, who would turn out to be defenseman Glen Wesley.

All in all, Boston's history is rich and full of tradition. The team, at one point, had a streak of 29 straight years in the playoffs, the longest such streak in North American pro sports history.

I really enjoyed the pictures of big names from Boston's history from 1966 on to the 21^st century. I would highly recommend this book to any hockey fan from the northeastern United States as well as any fan of the Bruins. You will no doubt love a trip down memory lane, and a chance to learn more about the history of one of the NHL's Original Six teams, and a strong, lasting franchise.

Link to Powell's City of Books: http://www.powells.com/biblio/61-9780738534886-0

Link to Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/The-Bruins-Black-White-Century/dp/0738534889/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366755940&sr=8-1&keywords=the+bruins+in+black+and+white

Link to Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-bruins-in-black-and-white-richard-a-johnson/1112860291?ean=9780738534886

Arcadia Publishing: http://www.arcadiapublishing.com/9780738534886/The-Bruins-in-Black-and-White-1966-to-the-21st-Century

Special Thanks to Arcadia Publishing for making this book available for review.