Barbara Ann Scott - by Ryan Stevens (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Now, more than ever, we need great Canadian stories.

The first Canadian woman to win a gold medal at the Winter Olympics, Barbara Ann Scott transcended her sport, becoming a symbol of hope and inspiration.

Scott's stunning victory at the 1948 Olympics uplifted a nation grappling with the aftermath of World War II, inspiring thousands of Canadians to dream big and strive for excellence in their own lives.

Barbara Ann Scott: Queen of the Ice is a fascinating new biography that will delight knowledgeable and passionate fans of figure skating and history lovers alike.

Review Quotes

"Canadian figure skating is rich with history that must be preserved. Barbara Ann Scott was our first Queen of the Ice and there's no one better than Ryan to bring her magnificent legacy to life." - Sandra Bezic, Emmy Award winning choreographer, television commentator (CBC, NBC, CBS), Olympian and 5-time Canadian Pairs Skating Champion

"Barbara Ann was such a dear woman and a real trailblazer in our sport of figure skating. We all admired her and loved her as a friend and representative like no other." - Karen Magnussen-Cella, Olympic Silver Medallist and World Figure Skating Champion

"Barbara Ann Scott paved the way for Canadian skating excellence. Figure skating fans will love diving into her illustrious life and career." - Jackie Wong, Rocker Skating

"A biography of Canada's first great ice skater that will prove a 'must have'... Any skating lover will thoroughly appreciate the tone and approach of this vivid story... Thoroughly researched... vivid and engrossing. Her story springs to life. A triple Axel of achievement that sets the stage for a better understanding of the evolution of ice skating as a whole." - Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

"Before there was Kurt Browning, Brian Orser or Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, there was Barbara Ann Scott. After the Second World War, she brought us out of the gloom with her Olympic glory. This book brings to life one of our greatest athletes and tells her story in an thoughtful and fascinating way. For sports fans and history fans, this book checks all the boxes." - Craig Baird, Canadian History Ehx podcast

"A compelling and informative novel which will be well-appreciated by lovers of sports biographies, Canadian history, and of course, figure skating... Stevens approaches Scott's story with a warmth and attentiveness which readers cannot help but appreciate." - Ava Retzer, The Gateway

"Ryan Stevens has written a most interesting book about an icon of Canadian sport... Beautifully illustrated and based on almost exhaustive research. I highly enjoyed it." - Ruud Paauw, International Society of Olympic Historians

"Ryan Stevens pays meticulous attention to detail in this biography of Barbara Ann Scott and brings it to life with quotes and photographs. As a Canadian hero and international icon, Barbara Ann Scott's mindblowing plethora of historic firsts remains nothing short of extraordinary." - Anything GOEs

"Barbara Ann Scott: Queen of the Ice offers an engaging glimpse into the life of Canada's figure skating legend. From her inspiring journey to Olympic gold to her role as a national treasure, this book provides a fascinating look at Barbara Ann's achievements and the era she defined. A delightful read for anyone interested in figure skating history." - Kim Dunaway, The Cutting Edge podcast

"What a great job Ryan Stevens has made of the life story of Barbara Ann Scott, transporting us back to the time of 'The Golden Age Of Ice Skating'. Barbara Ann Scott was the catalyst for my own skating career... I am now 80 and I still love skating. It has given me a wonderful life. All thanks to Barbara Ann Scott. Reading this book has brought it all flooding back to me." - Jaquie Harbord, British Figure Skating Champion, 2-time World Professional Figure Skating Champion