A Delicate Game

A footballer dies of dementia, younger than he should. A teenage rugby player plays on through multiple blows - and never wakes up from the last one. A scientist reveals endemic brain disease in NFL players and is discredited. From the gladiator arenas of history to the rugby pitches of today, athletes have always forfeited their bodies for sport, with grievous bodily contact consistently celebrated as the ultimate performance of toughness and masculinity. But at what cost? This is the story of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) - a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated blows to the head, and whose impact in the sporting world is only now coming to light. A Delicate Game is a searing investigation that explores the truth about brain injury in sport and beyond it, from the social dynamics that send young men into violent and dangerous pursuits, to the scientists searching for truth and the families living with the consequences - and it will change the way you think about sport forever. 'Beautifully written, deeply moving and absolutely mind-blowing' Julia Ebner 'A clarion call of great conviction and urgency' Irish Examiner Everyone should read this book!' - Julia Ebner 'A heartbreaking but really important book. I can hugely recommend to all' Fi Glover 'Sharp, smart and vital. Walker-Brown is a super duper mega talent' - Anneka Harry 'It is hard to summarise the level of skill required to execute a multifaceted book like this. A book with real depth that will stay with me for a long time. The literary world of investigative journalism has just gained a new talent' Dr Sophie Mort Praise for The Beautiful Brain 'Thoughtful, compelling and frequently hard-hitting, The Beautiful Brain is a powerful cri-de-Coeur against an industry failure to protect those who keep it afloat' - Fiona Sturgess, Financial Times 'A lovely and painful listen. Lovely because of the care and tenderness Walker-Brown puts into her work; painful because of the subject matter. The Beautiful Brain is essential listening' - Miranda Sawyer, Observer 'I can't stop thinking about its core message - the breadth or argument and depth of detail are remarkable" - Gillian Reynolds, Sunday Times 'It's gripping and essential - if often overwhelmingly poignant and righteously enraging, as much a call-to-arms as a piece of investigative journalism' - Esquire 'Hana's attention to detail and storytelling skills have created something that is having and will continue to have a lot of impact' - Halina Haag, PHD Researcher and Brain Trauma Survivor 'A simple thank you is not reflective of the impact of this story, and it's delivery' - Jodie Marshall, Canadian Council for First Aid Education and British Red Cross