Exuberant ... In less capable hands, Mr. Pearlman’s childlike wonder in relating his subject’s exploits might come off as cloying. Instead, the author’s palpable enthusiasm supercharges descriptions of Mr. Jackson’s at-bats or off-tackle runs, which are often described with hyperbole that is at once self-aware and delightfully cheesy ... Readers should also consult Mr. Pearlman’s occasional and often hilarious footnotes. By his count, the author—renowned for his tenacity—interviewed more than 700 people in his reporting for the book ... Excellent.
Captivating, copiously researched ... The author spares no details in limning the destitute, cruelly violent childhood Jackson miraculously survived; his evolution as a world-class athlete; friendships and enmities with coaches, teammates, reporters, family, and fans; and his admirable disdain for the trappings of success. But it’s the individual moments Pearlman shares that startle.
An excellent, well-researched biography with insights, firsthand accounts, and an extensive bibliography section. Highly recommended for all interested in sports.
A beautiful, superbly written portrait of an athlete whose accomplishments were the stuff of legend ... The Last Folk Hero is a biography to savor and then pass along to someone in your family who is also a sports fan. The art of biography is far more than writing about one person. The subject must be placed in the entire context of the times ... A veritable encyclopedia of Jackson’s sports life.
Entertaining ... The author’s facility at rendering dramatic sports moments into prose, such as when, in 1989, Jackson made a miraculous deep outfield throw to get a speedy opposing player out at home plate...makes this a standout addition to biographies of hall-of-fame athletes. Jackson’s fans are in for a treat.
