Too Soon to Panic

by Gordon Forbes
Too Soon to Panic cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Biography and Memoir
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  • ID: 10415
  • Added: 2026-01-24
  • Updated: 2026-01-24
  • ISBN: 9781558215665
  • Publisher: Lyons Press
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Gordon Forbes' 'Too Soon to Panic' offers an insider's look at the professional tennis circuit from the late 1960s to the early 1990s. With a keen eye and a humorous touch, Forbes reveals the triumphs, defeats, and eccentricities of the sport's most memorable characters, from Arthur Ashe to Andre Agassi. /n/n Written with the same wit and exuberance that made his previous book, 'A Handful of Summers,' a cult classic, Forbes brings the tennis world to life with vivid storytelling and sharp observations. This sequel is a must-read for tennis enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a good laugh.

Reviews
Tennis Warehouse · 2010-02-13
recommended 4.50

The book is highly recommended for tennis fans. It’s a sequel that lives up to its predecessor's reputation.

The reviewer highly recommends 'Too Soon to Panic' for tennis fans, stating that it's very nearly as good as Forbes' previous work, 'A Handful of Summers.' They appreciate the way Forbes takes readers behind the scenes at major tournaments, providing a unique perspective on the sport. The book is filled with memorable anecdotes and vivid descriptions of the places where tennis is played, making it a captivating read for those interested in the history and culture of the game.

Quick quotes

    "A Handful of Summers" and "Too Soon to Panic" by Gordon Forbes;

    Probably out of print

    Good tennis books to read?

Tennis.com · 2006-09-27
engaging 4.00

The book offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at major tennis tournaments. It’s nearly as engaging as its predecessor, filled with memorable anecdotes and vivid descriptions.

This memoir by Gordon Forbes takes readers behind the scenes at major tennis tournaments like Wimbledon and the US Open. The reviewer found it nearly as captivating as Forbes' previous work, 'A Handful of Summers.' They appreciated the vivid descriptions of the places where tennis is played and the ambiance of the tournaments. The book is filled with memorable anecdotes and a keen eye for the absurdities of the sport, making it a delightful read for tennis enthusiasts.

Quick quotes

    This is Forbes' 1996 follow-up to his famous A Handful of Summers, and as I've been finding out over the last few days, it's very nearly as good.

    Famous stars glitter the pages, but the book is also full of...

    Gordon Forbes was a very good South African tennis player - he's also a very good writer, with a keen eye for the ridiculous.

The Independent · 1997-12-13
nostalgic 3.50

The book is a sequel that captures the essence of tennis in a bygone era. It’s a humorous and nostalgic look at the sport.

The reviewer describes 'Too Soon to Panic' as a sequel that captures the essence of tennis in a bygone era. They highlight the humor and nostalgia that Forbes brings to the sport, making it a enjoyable read. The book is filled with riotously funny anecdotes and vivid evocations of the innocence and camaraderie of the game in Forbes's day. The reviewer appreciates the way Forbes paints a picture of tennis as a gentlemanly sport, providing a unique perspective on the history of the game.

Quick quotes

    There is also Forbes' sequel, Too Soon to Panic, for readers game enough to have their sides split twice.

    Crammed with riotously funny anecdotes and vivid evocations of the innocence and camaraderie of the game in Forbes's day.

    The trousers and skirts are longer...

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