Synopses & Reviews
THE REAL KING OF THE WILD FRONTIER
David Crockett was an adventurer, a pioneer, and a media-savvy national celebrity. In his short-but-distinguished lifetime, this charismatic frontiersman won three terms as a U.S. congressman and a presidential nomination. His 1834 memoir enjoyed frenzied sales and prompted the first-ever "official" book tour for its enormously popular author. Down-to-earth, heroic, and independent to a fault, the real Crockett became lost in his own hype-and he's been overshadowed by a larger-than-life pop-culture character in a coonskin cap.
Now, American Legend debunks the tall tales to reveal the fascinating truth of Crockett's hardscrabble childhood, his near-death experiences, his unlikely rise to Congress-and the controversial last stand at the Alamo that mythologized him beyond recognition. In this beautifully written narrative, Crockett emerges as never before-a rugged individual, a true American original, and an enduring symbol of the Western frontier.
Review
"Proves that history can be as spellbinding and dramatic as any novel." Peter Hoffer, Distinguished Professor, University of Georgia
Review
"The new book paints a befittingly vivid portrait of the famous hunter and frontiersman through the eyes and sensibilities of a fellow hunter. This is one of the real strengths of the new biography." Edmonton (Alberta) Journal
Synopsis
A popular portrait of the legendary figure from the American Old West draws on the newspapers and folklore of his lifetime to reveal how he used his humble origins to win three elections as a congressman, in an account that also describes his meager education, presidential nomination, and death at the Alamo. Reprint. 25,000 first printing.
About the Author
Buddy Levy is a journalist who has covered adventure sports and lifestyles around the world. He is an assistant clinical professor of English at Washington State University.