Seabiscuit

An American Legend (Abridged Edition)

By: Laura Hillenbrand

Narrated by: Campbell Scott

Length: 5 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

Please note: This is the abridged edition. An unabridged edition is also available.

Number-one New York Times best seller

From the author of the runaway phenomenon Unbroken comes a universal underdog story about the horse who came out of nowhere to become a legend.

Seabiscuit was one of the most electrifying and popular attractions in sports history and the single biggest newsmaker in the world in 1938, receiving more coverage than FDR, Hitler, or Mussolini. But his success was a surprise to the racing establishment, which had written off the crooked-legged racehorse with the sad tail. Three men changed Seabiscuit’s fortunes:

Charles Howard was a onetime bicycle repairman who introduced the automobile to the western United States and became an overnight millionaire. When he needed a trainer for his new racehorses, he hired Tom Smith, a mysterious mustang breaker from the Colorado plains. Smith urged Howard to buy Seabiscuit for a bargain-basement price, then hired as his jockey Red Pollard, a failed boxer who was blind in one eye, half-crippled, and prone to quoting passages from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Over four years, these unlikely partners survived a phenomenal run of bad fortune, conspiracy, and severe injury to transform Seabiscuit from a neurotic, pathologically indolent also-ran into an American sports icon.

“Fascinating.... Vivid.... A first-rate piece of storytelling, leaving us not only with a vivid portrait of a horse but a fascinating slice of American history as well.” (The New York Times)

“Engrossing.... Fast-moving.... More than just a horse’s tale, because the humans who owned, trained, and rode Seabiscuit are equally fascinating.... [Laura Hillenbrand] shows an extraordinary talent for describing a horse race so vividly that the reader feels like the rider.” (Sports Illustrated)

“Remarkable.... Memorable.... Just as compelling today as it was in 1938.” (The Washington Post)

©2001 Laura Hillenbrand (P)2001 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

Book Sense Book of the Year Award Winner, Adult Non-Fiction, 2002

"Campbell Scott never overplays a line, never misses a pause, never fails to punch an ending. This is a treat for the ear, an education for the mind, and a meal for the soul." (AudioFile)

“Fascinating... Vivid... A first-rate piece of storytelling, leaving us not only with a vivid portrait of a horse but a fascinating slice of American history as well.” (The New York Times)

“Engrossing... Fast-moving... More than just a horse’s tale, because the humans who owned, trained, and rode Seabiscuit are equally fascinating.... [Hillenbrand] shows an extraordinary talent for describing a horse race so vividly that the reader feels like the rider.” (Sports Illustrated)

“Remarkable... Memorable... Just as compelling today as it was in 1938.” (The Washington Post)

One For The Roses

This was my favorite book of 2002. The story is amazing. You couldn't write better fiction than this true-life tale. Each of the characters; horse, jockey, trainer, and owner all provide heroic tales in their own respect. The author does such an incredible job describing the racing action that you can almost feel the ground rumble as the horses pound their way down the home stretch. The narration is also excellent, and this adds to the excitement. Before reading this book, I had never been to a horse race but after reading it, I had to go to the races just so I could experience it firsthand. Don't wait for the movie, this is a great book!

Will Keep you Riveted

I knew nothing about horse racing when I first started on this book. But it doesnt' really matter - it's more of a story about personalities and a wonderful, gutsy horse. I was also rather astounded to learn the impact horse racing had on the general public in the late 30's. The Superbowl of the period. A great intro to audio books if you haven't listened to one yet. I agree with the one reviewer that it would be nice to see an unabridged version, as I heard in an interview with Laura Hillenbrand that only about 30% of the book is contained in the abridged version. Still, the narration is excellent, you will have tears in your eyes and you will be inspired to read the full book and see the movie this summer. Don't pass this one up!

more than a horse story

Seabiscuit was a terrific story about a horse, its owner, rider and trainer. The story gave the listener a great view into the machinations of horse racing, as well as into the lives of the characters that love the sport.

Seabiscuit

Living in Sartoga and having worked at the track where much of the movie was filmed, I was anxious to listen to this book, assuming I could do so with a very critical ear. I have nothing but good things to say about it. It was a very interesting story on life in the racing world and the hard work of a horse with a will to win and the unlikely group of men who made it happen. It brought back fond memories of the sights and sounds and smells that make up the backstretch of any track. Begin it and you too will "race" through the chapters.

Excellent book true Americana

I've listened to this book three times. Not only because it is very entertaining, but there is a wealth of information about every faced of horse racing. Just thoroughly enjoyable

Good book; below average narration

The story of Seabiscuit, owner, trainer, and jockey is excellent but I was somewhat disappointed with the narrator and the descriptions of the races themselves. I found the reading to be somewhat monotone and without much emotion, even in the description of events within the races. For long-time horse racing fans, there is little that can compare with the excitement of those brief minutes of the actual race--and the description of the races just didn't bring that excitement to life for me. I think it's a combination of the narrator and the reading both, but I was disappointed in this aspect of the book.

Overall, however, I would still recommend the book as it's an inspiring story that everyone should hear.

Fabulous

If you could sum up Seabiscuit in three words, what would they be?

Riveting

Who was your favorite character and why?

Seabiscuit - you could sense his own intensity and desire to win.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Could not turn it off

Good history and inspiring story.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes, and I have recommended it. Loved this book.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Seabiscuit because he had such heart at a time when America needed heart.

Great story - can not wait for the movie

I am not a horse racing fan but this story is so well written that it keeps you listening. If the movie is anything like the book, it will definitely win some awards.

Outstanding

Simply captivating. One of the best books I've read/listened to in the last five years. I read it before it became a national obsession and recommended it to lots of people. I agree with some reviewers that the unabridged version might be better, but this was awfully good.