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

Evel: The High-Flying Life of Evel Knievel: American Showman, Daredevil, and Legend
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Evel: The High-Flying Life of Evel Knievel: American Showman, Daredevil, and Legend ReviewAnyone who lived through the heyday of Robert Craig "Evel" Knievel, knows of the excitement this self-invented daredevil created on the world's stage. I remember that people loved him or hated him and some simply disregarded him. Besides the absurdity of his proposed acts... some of which he attempted and succeeded... some of which... he attempted and failed... and many of which... he talked and bragged about Ad Nauseam... and never attempted. The public at large knew he was bombastic... and not too high on "class"... from the rough and tumble mining town of Butte, Montana. The author, Leigh Montville does a masterful job of unveiling the real "Evel" Knievel... with more "warts and all" than the average citizen or fan may have known about during his heyday.
I found it tremendously educational as to the inherent lifestyle of the average families in the mining town of Butte in the 1800's and 1900's. The accepted outlook of a short life expectancy in unsafe and unhealthy mines... described in such detail... that at times the reader would be excused if he gasps for breath. The life outside the mines which included bar after bar after bar... and prostitute after prostitute after prostitute... and the daily conclusion that your husband or brother would not see another day as they went off to work. It was from this rough hewn world that Evel became what can only be described as a despicable individual... despite his "Captain America" uniform and his million dollar payments for the seemingly never ending list of toys in his image that became a staple of youth at the height of his popularity.
The author's in depth research paints a picture of a womanizing, alcoholic, lying, thieving, braggart. Part of Knievel's mantra was what a great wife he had in Linda, and how he loved her so much. Yet he constantly and unrepentantly cheated on her with anything in a dress. He showed so little regard for his wife as a person, that he would pick up women right in front of her. Evel would lie to friends and acquaintances alike about payments that would either never be given... or would be given with phony checks. In addition to the surprise of what a truly abhorrent character he was... it was also shocking to find out how little detailed research and practice was put in, in preparation for some of his life threatening jumps. It's hard to believe that his attempted Rocket cycle jump at Snake River not only never had a full launch test... but some of its main components were bought for a hundred dollars in salvage yards. Yet somehow he became the darling of "Wide World Of Sports" and many other venues. Even with the millions he earned... after buying literally a fleet of boats and yachts... luxury car after luxury car... more jewels than your average princess... he wound up broke and even spent time in jail for a cowardly attack on a writer with his "lead-pipe" walking stick. (Not to be confused with his walking stick stocked with Wild Turkey.)
By the end of this book, regardless of your age, and whether you had been a fan of Evel during his lifetime... or simply played with his toys... you'll want to wash your hands to get the filth off. Additionally... as my Grandfather used to say: "If BS was music... Knievel would have been a brass brand!" The author did a great job with a less than savory character.
Evel: The High-Flying Life of Evel Knievel: American Showman, Daredevil, and Legend OverviewFrom 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.

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