Overview
From New York Times bestselling author Leigh Montville, this riveting and definitive new biography pulls back the red, white, and blue cape on a cultural icon--and reveals the unknown, complex, and controversial man known to millions around the world as Evel Knievel.
Evel Knievel was a high-flying daredevil, the father of extreme sports, the personification of excitement and dan-ger and showmanship . . . and in the 1970s Knievel repre-sented a unique slice of American culture and patriotism. His jump over the fountains at Caesar's Palace led to a crash unlike anything ever seen on television, and his attempt to rocket over Snake River Canyon in Idaho was something only P. T. Barnum could have orchestrated. The dazzling motorcycles and red-white-and-blue outfits became an integral part of an American decade. Knievel looked like Elvis . . . but on any given Saturday afternoon millions tuned in to the small screen to see this real-life action hero tempt death.
But behind the flash and the frenzy, who was the man? Bestselling author Leigh Montville masterfully explores the life of the complicated man from the small town of Butte, Montana. He delves into Knievel's amazing place in pop culture, as well as his notorious dark side--and his complex and often contradictory relationships with his image, the media, his own family, and his many demons. Evel Knievel's story is an all-American saga, and one that is largely untold. Leigh Montville once again delivers a definitive biography of a one-of-a-kind sports legend.
From the Hardcover edition.
Reviews
Acclaim for Leigh Montville <br> [ Ted Williams is] the complete package--a triumph, unreservedly the best biography of this larger-than-life American. <br>-- Boston Globe <br> It is unlikely that any reader could view Ted Williams as just a ballplayer ever again. <br>-- New York Times Book Review <br> [ At the Altar of Speed is]...both a tribute and a candid look at [Dale] Earnhardt. [Montville] has succeeded wonderfully. <br>-- San Antonio Express <br> Montville's solid reporting is augmented by a whimsical style that weaves Earnhardt's life, racing career, business ventures, and impact on racing fans into a rich tapestry of racing. The book delivers. <br>-- Times Daily <br> [A] vivid, intimate account. Montville's unique voice...makes old yarns seem new. <br>-- Sports Illustrated <br> Montville is a wonderful storyteller and Ruth's story, from Baltimore street urchin to international celebrity is indisputably amazing...a fascinating tale, alternately happy
Acclaim for Leigh Montville@lt;br@gt;@lt;br@gt; [@lt;i@gt;Ted Williams @lt;/i@gt;is] the complete package--a triumph, unreservedly the best biography of this larger-than-life American. @lt;br@gt;--@lt;i@gt;Boston Globe@lt;/i@gt;@lt;br@gt; @lt;br@gt; It is unlikely that any reader could view Ted Williams as just a ballplayer ever again. @lt;br@gt;--@lt;i@gt;New York Times Book Review@lt;/i@gt;@lt;br@gt;@lt;br@gt; [@lt;i@gt;At the Altar of Speed @lt;/i@gt;is]...both a tribute and a candid look at [Dale] Earnhardt. [Montville] has succeeded wonderfully. @lt;br@gt;--@lt;i@gt;San Antonio Express@lt;/i@gt;@lt;br@gt;@lt;br@gt; Montville's solid reporting is augmented by a whimsical style that weaves Earnhardt's life, racing career, business ventures, and impact on racing fans into a rich tapestry of racing. The book delivers. @lt;br@gt;--@lt;i@gt;Times Daily@lt;/i@gt;@lt;br@gt;@lt;br@gt; [A] vivid, intimate account. Montville's unique voice...makes old yarns seem new. @lt;br@gt;--@lt;i@gt;Sp
