Polo Heritage | Assouline

An illustrious and storied history accompanies the sport of polo, spanning continents, cultures and classes. One of the world’s oldest team sports, it evolved from the training of cavalry units in Asia. Referred to as the “sport of kings,” it is no surprise that polo is a favorite among the British royal family and counts Winston Churchill and General Patton among its devoted followers. However, delving deeper into polo’s heritage, one learns of the diverse community that has made it a global pastime. Polo Heritage guides the reader on a journey from Mongolia to Mexico, from Barbados to Pakistan, and inside the most prestigious tournaments on grass, sand or snow. Traverse the historic polo grounds in India, become immersed in the high society of British polo, learn about the Argentinian polo culture that has produced some of the best polo families in the world. An introduction by legendary polo player Nacho Figueras is accompanied by Aline Coquelle’s original photography offering a modern, authentic perspective on the spirit of polo. Nacho Figueras is one of the most recognizable faces in the sport of polo. Born in Argentina, Figueras began playing polo when he was nine years old. He has since earned a 6-goal handicap. Not only is he the captain of the BlackWatch Polo team sponsored by Ralph Lauren, he has also modeled in numerous campaigns for the brand. With a degree in art history and anthropology, nomadic Parisian photographer Aline Coquelle has always traveled the world—she has lived and worked in Central and South America, Asia and Africa. She contributes to prestigious international publications, and shoots marketing campaigns for luxury brands. Coquelle often works with silver film in order to keep alive the magic of old-time photography and her gelatin silver prints are sought by collectors worldwide. Her other books with Assouline are Palm Springs Style (2005); The Cartier Polo Games (2006); Polo: The Nomadic Tribe (2009); The Italian Dream: Wi