Badass

An entertaining listen, if looked at as historic comedy/satire. Unfortunately, the book tends to exaggerate a "badass" person's badass-itude using fantastical elements (a pirate lifting a cannon and uses it as a bat to hit his foes away, a general using headbutts to win wars, and various people doing it "Metal Gear Solid" or "Legend of Zelda" style.)

Very early in the book, I got fed up with the repeated use of the following phrases:

-Balls-out
-Bast*rds
-Jack***es
-Truly bad*ss

If you want to get a lighthearted look at history, or get tween boys interested in it, this book is ideal. If you just want to get balanced, mature, level information on the toughest, most impressive characters in history, look elsewhere.

With a name like "Badass", you really don't go into this with high literary expectations. To be fair, low overall expectations are more likely. However, if you make the mistake of judging this book by its title, you're making a very non-badass mistake. Broken up into short, very "Spike-TV" style sections, this book keeps your interest--sometimes just to hear what the next euphemism for being hit in the scrotum will be (which does wear a bit thin after the first 100 or so). This book is not for the faint of heart. This book is for those who are comfortable with Clint Eastwood and John Wayne style solutions.

Aside from the normal cast of characters in any retelling of the most dominant men of history, there are a few genuine surprises for the student of badassery. Freed slaves, woman ninjas and samurai, and even a mad scientist are included in this rollercoaster through historical toughness. Nevermind that the history involved tends to take on a convenient interpretation to match the theme. It's still fun.

So, sit back and enjoy this instant classic of micro-history focusing on the universal church of badassness. Just remember to wear a cup.

This had me laughing so hard that I kept having to rewind so my husband could hear it; yet the history is accurate. I LOVE this book!

Really, the title and the discription of the book says it all. This book is history as told by a comedian. I personally think it's a nice change from the stuffy history books that I am used to. Some other reviewers complain that the humor is stupid and immiture. I admit that this humor is not for everyone,The author uses a lot of exageration comedy when it comes to talking about the people in this book. If you are in high school or college and want to read an interesting and funny history book, then this is the book for you.

If you weren't put off by the title and you enjoy a great story narrated with gusto, this might be the book for you. I loved it but I don't think any english teacher is going to recommend it. Review the author's web site, badass.com, to read some story lines on 'badass' history characters to get a flavor for his 'over the top' writing style. The author, himself, is badass and doesn't care one bit for someone's sensibilities. He just likes to tell a great story in a fun way. L

This book had promise; a review of some of the toughest, most interesting characters in history. Unfortunately, it reads as though written by the protagonists of Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure. I recommend The Deadliest Men by Paul Kirchner, which is not, alas, available on Audible.

Look Badass is funny, but also factual, the humor is what really sold it for me. This book as gotten some not so great reviews by guys trying to bash the way it was written. Which I feel is unjust; Gentlemen this is not a stiff collegiate essay or a history channel documentary. However, this is a light hearted romp that is a joy to listen to and can appeal to anyone. Buy this book you don't have to be interested in History to really enjoy it. As for me I absolutely adore Badass and if I'm in a bad mood or feeling unmotivated I just listen to this and it always helps.

Was just fun to listen too. Might not be totally accurate but portrayals of the Bad Asses of the old world, but 100% entertaining. Couldn't take the head phones out. Good fun!

Hands down the most awesome, amazing, and entertaining book I have ever experienced. Nothing will ever come close to it in any way ever. If you don't like it you have absolutely no taste, and should go live on a deserted island somewhere waiting for the end of the world.

I mostly read Business type books, and while this doesn't strictly fall into that category, it is very Exciting. The book is non-stop action that will keep you listening even when you arrive at your destination and need to turn it off.

Best of all, it is all actual history that you can bring up in conversation to appear more intelligent than you really are.