Phil's Pétanque Pages
There is not a great deal of literature published on the subject of pétanque, listed below are details of the books I have identified.
Whilst you can only really learn by playing, watching and listening to other players. I cannot resist buying any books I come across . There is, by the nature of the subject, quite often a great deal of overlap in the content of the books, including almost always a copy of the rules current at the date of publication.
If you know of any others please email me the details, and if it is still available where it might be purchased.
The Pernod Book of Pétanque
by Maurice Abney-Hastings, Published by George Allen & Unwin, London 1981. 103 pages ISBN 0-04-796058-2
A lovely book dealing with the early days of British Pétanque and the formation of the British Pétanque Association. Written with great love for the game. A little dated now but a must have for your collection.
Currently available - Pen-y-Coed, British Pétanque Association
British Pétanque Association Book of Coaching and Play
by Barry Lees published by The British Pétanque Association 1989 96 pages
A book covering the coaching and mental approach to the game.
Currently available - Pen-y-Coed, British Pétanque Association
Pétanque - la technique, la tactique
by Christian Marty published by Editions Robert Lafont S.A. Paris 1976 209 pages
A really wonderful book, in French, with some superb photographs.
I do not know whether it is currently available, but my copy cost me 30F in the South of France in 1980
Pétanque - The French Game of Boules
by Garth Freeman published by Carreau Press, Highbanks, The Orchard, Holcombe, Dawlish, Devon EX7 0JD. Published 1984, revised and reprinted 1996.
Currently available from JB Boule Supplies, British Pétanque Association
Any news, comments, queries or encouragement email me at phil.day@dial.pipex.com