Kingdom on Fire

Kareem, Wooden, Walton, and the Turbulent Days of the UCLA Basketball Dynasty

By: Scott Howard-Cooper

Narrated by: Feodor Chin

In the tradition of Blood in the Garden and Three-Ring Circus comes a bold history of the iconic UCLA Bruins championship teams led by legendary coach John Wooden, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Bill Walton—set against the turmoil of American culture in the 1960s and ’70s.

Few basketball dynasties have reigned supreme like the UCLA Bruins did over college basketball from 1965–1975 (seven consecutive titles, three perfect records, an eighty-eight-game winning streak that remains unmatched). At the center of this legendary franchise were the now-iconic players Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Walton, naturally reserved personalities who became outspoken giants when it came to race and the Vietnam War. These generational talents were led by John Wooden, a conservative counterweight to his star players whose leadership skills would transcend the game after his retirement. But before the three of them became history, they would have to make it—together.

Los Angeles native and longtime sportswriter for the Los Angeles Times, Scott Howard-Cooper draws on more than a hundred interviews and extensive access to many of the principal figures, including Wooden’s family, to deliver a rich narrative that reveals the turmoil at the heart of this storied college basketball program.

Making the eye-opening connections between UCLA and the Nixon administration, Ronald Reagan, Muhammad Ali, and others, Kingdom on Fire puts the UCLA basketball team’s political involvement and influence in full relief for the first time. “Perceptive and exciting, this is a slam dunk for college hoops fans” (Publishers Weekly).

Loved learning about the players.

I enjoyed this Audible book. I was surprised how much college basketball and political events collide. I have read and listened to the book Steve Kerr: A Life, and now Kingdom on Fire. I appreciate the talent on the court more and have a greater understanding of the sport. While watching high school playoff games I wondered if the next great player was on the court. Scott Howard - Cooper has made me a basketball fan.

Great basketball read

I really enjoyed revisiting my youth as a basketball lover. I was taken a back by how Coach Wooden supported these two stars of the game and in many ways contributed to the men of distinction the became, finding who they were and then allowing them to shine on and off the court. Using the word love would be strong, but I felt that all three grew to love and respect each other. What a tribute to Coach Wooden, a good man. The issues that they encountered, faced, and dealt with were different in many way.. But they are issues that all of us have encountered as young men. I gained new respect for both Karen and Bill Walton; guided by a gentle man of the game Coach Wooden remained true to his standards till the day he died. I was especially moved by at least three references to my beloved University of Dayton Flyers who competed against these great teams with distinction. Thank''s Scott for a great listen, taking me back is so hard to do, you filled it with joy and that is a hard thing to do.

Historical Cintext

A wonderful story about UCLA and the times of its dynasty. Chronicles the players, coach and era.

Outstanding Biographical Work

This is far different from your average sports biographyy. It involves the entanglement of so many individual groups as well as people - with Wooden anchoring the narrative - that it is more a retelling of the ‘60s and ‘70s and all the turbulence and moments of joy. Be sure to have tissues at hand when you reach the “Epilogue.” This is a moving book for the most enthusiastic lover of basketball to the casual fan.

Honest stories about the times and UCLA baskeball

Great book that discussed the 60’ and 70’s along with the story of ucla basketball. Both the good, bad. So much success along with pressure and expectations. Shows Coach Wooden as a great
man and coach, who also had his flaws like any other man. I was too young to live thru, it but as a Bruin alum the stories are great to hear.