Evel : The High-Flying Life of Evel Knievel - American Showman, Daredevil, and Legend

English

ISBN: 0385527454

EAN: 9780385527453

Category: Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts/Biography & Autobiography / General/Performing Arts / Acting & Auditioning/

Publisher: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group

Release Date: 04/26/2011

Synopsis: FromNew York Timesbestselling 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 represented a unique slice of American culture and patriotism. His jump over the fountains at Caesars 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 Knievels 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 Knievels 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.

Excerpt: Unknown Property Excerpt

Evel : The High-Flying Life of Evel Knievel - American Showman, Daredevil, and Legend

Illustrated: Yes

Format: Hardcover

Height: 1.5 inches

Width: 6.4 inches

Length: 9.5 inches

Weight: 25.04 oz

Pages: 416