Peter Mallory – A Life Dedicated to Rowing and Writing
My name is Peter Mallory, and I recently spent seven years researching a four-volume, 2,500-page celebration of rowing as sport, and as of early 2012 The Sport of Rowing is complete and in the hands of readers worldwide. Since then, I spent three rewarding years as the men’s rowing coach of Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California and put out several more books.
The Sport of Rowing
After seven years of research, Peter completed The Sport of Rowing in 2012, a four-volume, 2,500-page celebration of the sport, now cherished by readers worldwide.
Coaching
Peter coaching at Loyola Marymount University and published several new books, including the collected works of coach Steve Fairbairn and An Out-of-Boat Experience.
More Than Rowing
Peter’s current project, More Than Rowing: Kent School Boat Club, The First 100 Years, is set to release in the spring of 2022, marking the centennial of Kent Crew.
School Boat Club
Peter is now working on More Than Rowing: Kent School Boat Club, The First 100 Years, which will be published in 2022, celebrating the centenary of Kent Crew.

Limited Collector Sets of The Sport of Rowing Available!
I am pleased to announce that while there are no more standard sets left in America, a limited number of rare collector editions are still available. These editions were initially held back by the publisher and can be obtained through the American Friends of River & Rowing Museum in Henley, England. Each collector set is a unique treasure for any rowing enthusiast.
Collector Edition Details | |
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Availability | Very few rare collector editions remain |
Quantity | Only 300 printed; no future printings planned |
Donation Requirement | Minimum U.S. tax-deductible contribution of $5,000 |
Inclusions | Hardbound set in a slipcase, consecutively numbered, signed, and dedicated by Peter Mallory |
Beneficiary | Proceeds support the River & Rowing Museum |
Contact Information | Interested? Contact me directly for details |
These collector sets are more than just books; they represent the rich history and passion of the rowing community. With each purchase, you not only acquire a significant piece of rowing literature but also support the invaluable efforts of the River & Rowing Museum.
The Publishing Event of 2011 Has Become the Precious Possession of Today!
The Sport of Rowing indeed took the rowing world by storm in 2011, but we all know that it is The Boys in the Boat that has taken the ENTIRE world by storm in 2014, and I couldn’t recommend it to you more highly. I am privileged to number its author, Daniel James Brown, among my very good friends, and here is a recent quote from him:
“Peter Mallory’s majestic The Sport of Rowing is hands down the definitive history of the sport. The product of exquisite scholarship, it is chock full of colorful anecdotes and fascinating facts. I have no doubt that 100 years from now serious students of the sport will still be reading it with relish.”
I must return the compliment. Dan’s book is an instant classic. It, too, will be devoured by a succession of new generations a century from now.You will find the story of the 1936 University of Washington Olympic Crew in both our books, but Dan also gives us the life stories of these remarkable young men who came of age in boats during the Great Depression.My own book covers not a single extraordinary crew but rather the entire sweep of rowing history. It contains wonderful stories and compelling tales, some told for the very first time, as well as photos and images from historic films, many long forgotten, along with the words of athletes and coaches who have made rowing history. My book also addresses how the great historic boats actually rowed. This subject has never before been fully explored.
Much like immersing yourself in the pinup aviator game, where timing, precision, and rhythm play a vital role, understanding rowing history reveals the deep connection between human skill and calculated risk. Both offer unique insight into the beauty of mastery under pressure.
Voices from the Rowing Community
Seriously! Allow me to let a few of the truly greats in the world rowing community who already have their sets speak on behalf of The Sport of Rowing.
Since August 2006, excerpts from this book have been available, and more recently, additional excerpts have begun appearing on various websites in Italy, Britain, and the U.S. Here are some links you may find interesting:
- Row2k Features
- Rowperfect/Great Britain
- Italian National Association of Coaches
- Pocock Classic Cedar Singles
- Olga Skachko’s Blog in Belorussian
You may be interested to know that until January 1, 2021, only around 10% of the final four-volume, 2,500-page book had ever appeared online. Now, the book is available in its entirety (though not for download). Many thanks to World Rowing for helping to make my life’s work more accessible worldwide. I welcome feedback from my new readers!
