The Classic Guide to Rowing

As a sport, rowing has one of the oldest traditions in the world. Originally a means of transport and warfare, it eventually became part of the cultural identity of the English-speaking world. Rowing can be traced back to as early as 1430 BC, with oarmanship mentioned in Egyptian funeral inscriptions and Virgil including rowing as a funeral game in the Aeneid. Author R.C. Lehmann was an English writer and Liberal Party politician who sat in the House of Commons from 1906 to 1910. Perhaps better placed to coach and write about rowing than compete in it, Lehmann finished last in every heat he entered in the Henley Royal Regatta from 1977 to 1888. He later found success in coaching both Oxford and Cambridge rowing teams. This Classic Guide gives a glimpse into the world of rowing in the twentieth century, showing how techniques still used today first originated.