Synopses & Reviews
For close to a century, a majestic chapter of American history has been buried in an obscure grave in Shelbyville, Tennessee. Beautiful Jim Key, the onetime ugly duckling of a scrub colt that became one of the most heralded and beloved heroes of his day, was famous neither for his beauty nor his speed but instead for his exceptional intelligence. Said to have an I.Q. equivalent to that of a human sixth-grader, Jim exploded on to the national scene in 1897 by demonstrating inexplicable abilities to read, write, spell, do mathematics, tell time, sort mail, cite biblical passages, and debate politics.
For the next nine years, Jim performed in nationwide expositions and world's fairs to wildly receptive crowds, smashing box-office records, overcoming hurdles of prejudice and skepticism, all the while winning rapturous praise from the press and leaders such as President McKinley, Booker T. Washington, and Alice Roosevelt Longworth.
In this breathtaking saga, Jim's astonishing journey is coupled with that of his trainer and best friend, Dr. William Key, a self-taught veterinarian, former slave, Civil War veteran, prominent African-American entrepreneur, and one of the most renowned horse whisperers of his time -- a man who shunned all force in the training of horses, instead relying on kindness and patience.
Masterful storyteller and bestselling author Mim Eichler Rivas at long last gives two cultural icons their due, not only unraveling the mystery of their disappearance but examining how, thanks to the rare and intimate relationship between horse and man that was championed by promoter and humane activist Albert R. Rogers, a dramatic shift took place in the public mind that made kindness to animals a cornerstone of modern civilization and helped launch the animal rights movement. Unveiled against the backdrop of American history, Beautiful Jim Key is their incredible tale.
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“Engaging . . . filled with eyebrow-raising details.” Entertainment Weekly
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“If Beautiful Jim Key were alive today, hed have a movie deal.” People
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“Compelling...provides a vivid slice of Americana.” Parade
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“Beautiful Jim Key may be the biggest celebrity youve never heard of--until now . . . fascinting and touching” Winston-Salem Journal
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“Seabiscuit had nothing on Beautiful Jim Key.” Sacramento Bee
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“Beautiful Jim Key represents a rediscovered treasure that has lain hidden for almost a century. . . . Remarkable” Bob Womack, author of The Echo of Hoof Beats: History of the Tennessee Walking Horse
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“Rivas performs an important service by bringing this story to light and reminding us how it was almost lost.” Knoxville News-Sentinel
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“A wonderful slice of American life at the turn of the last century . . . [Rivas] deserves praise.” Contra Costa Times
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“A charming story about an equine superstar. . . . a winsome tale.” Chicago Tribune (Editor's Choice)
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“Jim Key, in his own beautiful way, whispered to Americans hearts and awakened their soul.” Los Angeles Times
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“A wonderful true story of an extraordinary horse and an equally extraordinary man. Beautiful Jim Key, is astonishing.” Berry Gordy
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“Like Laura Hillenbrands SEABISCUIT, this brilliantly recreated history of BEAUTIFUL JIM KEY is destined to become a classic.” David Geffen
Synopsis
Masterfully told, poignant, and rich with spellbinding historical detail, this is the remarkable, true story of an extraordinary horse and his pioneering trainer who symbolized America at the dawn of the 20th century. 16-page photo insert.
About the Author
Mim Eichler Rivas has worked as an author, coauthor, and ghostwriter on more than twelve nonfiction books, including the New York Timesbestseller Finding Fish. Raised in Tennessee, she lives with her family in Hermosa Beach, California.