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The Million Dollar Man: Jack Dempsey
Jack Dempsey was instrumental in creating the first million-dollar gate. That momentous event occurred in 1921 when he faced Georges Carpentier, the French heavyweight champion. Dempsey went on to annihilate his opponent. Four more million-dollar gates would occur over the next several years due primarily to Dempsey's savagery in the ring.
Jack Dempsey is America's first mega sports hero. His style of boxing had never been seen before in the annals of pugilism. No other sports figure was as commercially successful or caused as much controversy and hysteria as Jack Dempsey did in the 1920s. Dempsey left home when he was only fifteen in search of a new beginning. He found it in the rough and tumble mining towns scattered throughout Utah and Colorado. In between grueling jobs as a miner, Dempsey fought anyone and everyone.
In 1919, Dempsey destroyed champion Jess Willard in three rounds to become the new heavyweight king. The savage beating Willard suffered in the first three minutes of the fight is considered by many to be the worst punishment ever received in a single round by a heavyweight champion. Herein lies the incredible story of a man singularly possessed to become a world-class prizefighter.
Jack Dempsey is America's first mega sports hero. His style of boxing had never been seen before in the annals of pugilism. No other sports figure was as commercially successful or caused as much controversy and hysteria as Jack Dempsey did in the 1920s. Dempsey left home when he was only fifteen in search of a new beginning. He found it in the rough and tumble mining towns scattered throughout Utah and Colorado. In between grueling jobs as a miner, Dempsey fought anyone and everyone.
In 1919, Dempsey destroyed champion Jess Willard in three rounds to become the new heavyweight king. The savage beating Willard suffered in the first three minutes of the fight is considered by many to be the worst punishment ever received in a single round by a heavyweight champion. Herein lies the incredible story of a man singularly possessed to become a world-class prizefighter.
272 pages, Paperback
Published October 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 6, 2017
A Review of The Million Dollar Man: Jack Dempsey by Thomas Brennan
I first admit that I am not much of a sports fan in general, but this book took me back to my childhood, watching boxing matches with my dad. What I found in this book, along with that wonderful memory, was a well-researched document.
Now, this I can really appreciate. Author Thomas Brennan lays the book out in an easy-to-follow style, even for someone who isn't acquainted with sport (trust me, I often mistake the World Series for the Super Bowl, and that's no exaggeration). There are references and a helpful index.
What is more is the book contains a really engaging story of a person's life. Yes, he is a boxer, but that's only one dimension of what can be appreciated here. The many conflicts and struggles, along with successes, Jack Dempsey faced are chronicled here. The occasional photograph adds to the story even more.
Make no mistake, this book is no amateur effort. This a polished, professionally done example of biography that I would glad share with friends or family, or even use as an example with my comp students. I am grateful I got to read the book and I'm grateful for the memories.
I first admit that I am not much of a sports fan in general, but this book took me back to my childhood, watching boxing matches with my dad. What I found in this book, along with that wonderful memory, was a well-researched document.
Now, this I can really appreciate. Author Thomas Brennan lays the book out in an easy-to-follow style, even for someone who isn't acquainted with sport (trust me, I often mistake the World Series for the Super Bowl, and that's no exaggeration). There are references and a helpful index.
What is more is the book contains a really engaging story of a person's life. Yes, he is a boxer, but that's only one dimension of what can be appreciated here. The many conflicts and struggles, along with successes, Jack Dempsey faced are chronicled here. The occasional photograph adds to the story even more.
Make no mistake, this book is no amateur effort. This a polished, professionally done example of biography that I would glad share with friends or family, or even use as an example with my comp students. I am grateful I got to read the book and I'm grateful for the memories.
December 29, 2017
A great, well rounded, thoroughly engaging biography. Jack Dempsey's life in and out of the ring, his struggles, his high points and low points on his road to success. Not specifically a YA book but an easy read for teenagers and young adults.
January 14, 2018
William Harrison Dempsey was born in 1895. During his remarkable career he was called "Kid Blackie" and "The Manassa Mauler." His amazing punching power made him an icon of the 1020's. This book is an inside look at his life in and out of the ring.
December 2, 2017
Easy reading story of the legendary fighter.
December 9, 2017
Solid biography. Jack Dempsey was an interesting person and the biographer captured him for sure. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read biographies of sports stars.
February 10, 2018
okay but I would not recommend.
March 1, 2018
A gripping and interesting biography about a truly remarkable man in and out of the ring.
September 5, 2018
An intimate look at the life inside and outside of the ring of the greatest boxer of his time, Jack Dempsey.
January 6, 2019
This book is a TKO! If you like boxing you'll love this in depth history of the first true great in the field.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews