Evel

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

De: Leigh Montville

Narrado por: Danny Campbell

Duración: 17 h y 37 m

Resumen del Editor

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 dan­ger and showmanship . . . and in the 1970s Knievel repre­sented 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.

©2011 Leigh Montville (P)2011 Random House

Reseñas de la Crítica

“If you were a young boy, like I was, in the summer of 1974, you talked about two things: Evel Knievel…and Hank Aaron…I hadn’t thought much about Evel Knievel in the intervening 35 years until I picked up Leigh Montville’s awesome new biography…you’ll love Montville’s rollicking good tale—told with an Irishman’s wink and a nod—of how Knievel blazed across the American consciousness in the late 60’s and early 70s….Montville nails it just right.” (The Hollywood Reporter)

“In Evel [Leigh Montville] writes in a florid high style, as if pulling a wheelie across every page. This can be smart, rowdy fun. Mr. Montville tacks the young Knievel to the wall, wonderfully.…He catches the way the wingspans of Knievel’s jacket collars were the ‘same as a good-size pterodactyl…Evel is never dull.” (New York Times)

“[EVEL] goes beyond the action-figure image, painting Knievel in all his contradictions....Now, in Montville’s capable hands, Knievel soars again in all his profane, self-deluded glory.” – Sports Illustrated“In the late 1960s and early 1970s…the coolest man on earth was Evel Knievel….Leigh Montville brings him vividly back in an outlandishly entertaining new biography.” (New York Post)

Finally got the story

It was really good he was my idol. I was born in 74 so was late but he made me want to ride. No I’m all broken also 🤘🏽 teach your kids soccer or baseball. Motorbikes are addictive

good book

Lots of things I didn't know about the evil Knievel and I thought I knew it all

What a promoter.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I remember him growing up in Idaho and attempting to jump over the snake river canyon. It was interesting to hear about his life as he faded from view. He was one of those great promoters but ultimately led a sad life.

Mortarcycle? Mordecycle?

A fantastic book about a fantastic heel of a man. Must read. Narrator CANNOT PRONOUNCE "MOTORCYCLE."

it's great for listening than reading...

Narrator did great job reading this book. He'd maintained Evel's voice at a great constant.
I'd tried reading this in print, but kept wishing it get moving. Then I'd decided to listen to this book. Much better idea!!
There's a nice surprise at end... winks!!

Laugh, be stunned, enjoy.

In one of the early chapters in the book the author acts as if they are paid by the word.
(The repeated mention of his date and place of birth) However, after that I laughed out loud, was stunned and surprised and really enjoyed the story of the King of the daredevils.

Evel Beleivable

This was a well written, comprehensive narrative of a remarkable and yet ridiculous life…that is at the same time an expose on America, and American pop culture. If you were there during Evel’s reign, you’ll love the book, but maybe not Evel. But then maybe you will.

Evel

I enjoyed the book. The writing style was not great but I liked the story. I did have a small issue with the narration. The narrator pronounced the word motorcycle in an unusual way. It almost sounded like meutercycle. It would not have bothered me much except that the word was used many times. It just seems odd to me that the producers would not have corrected him. But it was not a big deal, just a little odd.

The real Evel

I was one of those young kids inspired by evel in the early to mid 70’s. I idolized the man and his accomplishments and his crashes. I owned all the toys, lunchboxes etc. this book was a real eye opener and there is so many stories and urban legends that are cleared up(as best as the author can), even how Evel got his name. This book shows the real Evel, a flawed man who did things his way or no way. Riveting from beginning to end. There is one thing for sure, there will never be another Evel, he is the inspiration for the modern day daredevil.

now we know Donald's inspiration...

I remember most of the jumps from when I was a kid.; knew he wasn't a super decent guy. Hearing how he acted and thought it was amazing how Trump-like. he was. or should I say how Evel Trump is....no irony intended . Amazing story. Hard not to feel for his wife after all she endured . Yet another example of how fame itself is not a measure of a person's worth.