Rocky Marciano: The Rock of His Times (Sport and Society)

Rating:
Summary: It's about time
Review: I've been looking for a book on Marciano for years. Finally, Sullivan writes one that's just what I'm looking for. Great writing and great insight into the Rock, his life and the world of boxing. Hey Sullivan, write another one about Jesse Owens.

Rating:
Summary: Rocky Marciano - Fifties Man - Simple and Not Simple
Review: Rocky Marciano - Fifties Man - Simple and Not Simple

There's a lot that I thought I knew about Rocky Marciano and a lot that I didn't know. His story is an interesting one and this book is well worth reading.

Rocky's career and life makes the most sense when looked at in the context of his time - not just the 1950's and the theme of the `50's - but his time in between 2 of the greatest - he came after Joe Louis and before Muhammad Ali - after the `40's and before the `60's - when you stop and think about it - it really is an amazing time - and an unfortunate time to be the world champ - just ask Larry Holmes.

All this I never fully appreciated or understood.

Rocky Marciano: The Rock of His Times is a great look at the life of Rocky Marciano - I learned a lot about the Rock and developed a greater admiration, respect and understanding of him as both a man and a fighter.

I did get the feeling though that something was held back - certain "warts" were touched on, but not fully explored - and I would have liked that.

Great for the boxing fan, historian and really anyone interested in learning about Rocky Marciano.


Rating:
Summary: He never lost a single one of his 49 heavyweight bouts
Review: Rocky Marciano: The Rock Of His Times by biographer Russell Sullivan, is an insightful and deftly written biographical story of a legendary figure in twentieth-century boxing. The invincible Rocky Marciano, a second-generation Italian-American active in a sport dominated by African-Americans, never lost a single one of his 49 heavyweight bouts up to when he quit the ring in 1956. An in-close study of the man's life which includes his flaws as well as his virtues, Rocky Marciano: The Rock Of His Times is a thoroughly researched, accessibly written, and highly recommended addition to community library Biography and American Sports History collections, and a "must read" for anyone who ever thrilled to a Marciano heavyweight bout.

Rating:
Summary: A Great Read
Review: Rocky's record has long been questioned by boxing enthusiasts, fans and experts. To this day it seems, Rocky continues to fight for respect--it is almost tangible in Sullivan's book. Sullivan's account of Marciano goes well beyond the ring and it was a great read for anyone--sports fan or not.

Rating:
Summary: a realistic marciano portrait
Review: the author handles both marciano's pros and cons in this book. discussions include why marciano changed his name, his physical and mental strength, how he was aligned with frankie carbo of the mafia in an indirect way, his battle with joe louis that he did not want. the photos included are excellent. this is a good read.

Rating:
Summary: Buy this one--it's great
Review: This book is a page-turner. It's about so much more than Rocky Marciano. It's about America in the 50s, life as an Italian American and the seamy side of big-time boxing. It's a trip back to a different era and a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read ever
Review: This book is amazing! Sullivan nails Rocky's life and struggles with passion and brilliance.

Rating:
Summary: One of the best books I've ever read ever
Review: This book is amazing! Sullivan nails Rocky's life and struggles with passion and brilliance.

Rating:
Summary: The definitve biography of Rocky Marciano
Review: This is the definitive biography of one of the great sports heroes of the twentieth century. Perhaps it took a business writer, rather than a sportswriter, to give us an objective, detailed account of this great athlete. I for one am 100% in favor of the recent trend toward serious biographies of sports figures, rather than the "rah-rah" tradition of vacuous cheerleading and legend-mongering than has too often comprised sports biographies in the past.

Rating:
Summary: The definitve biography of Rocky Marciano
Review: This is the definitive biography of one of the great sports heroes of the twentieth century. Perhaps it took a business writer, rather than a sportswriter, to give us an objective, detailed account of this great athlete. I for one am 100% in favor of the recent trend toward serious biographies of sports figures, rather than the "rah-rah" tradition of vacuous cheerleading and legend-mongering than has too often comprised sports biographies in the past.