Beautiful Jim Key : The Lost History of a Horse and a Man Who Changed the World

Rating:
Summary: A horse book that's even better than "Seabiscuit"
Review: "Beautiful Jim Key : The Lost History of a Horse and a Man Who Changed the World"
is a fascinating (and true) yarn beautifully related by author Mim Eichler Rivas. The book follows the almost impossibly dramatic odyssey of Dr William Key from slavery to wealthy veterinarian/ famous performer / savvy entrepreneur. It also tells the story of Jim Key, a sickly, spindly colt who grew to be one of post Civil War America's most beloved public figures, "the most wonderful horse in the world" (as he was often billed in his countless appearances).

Rivas richly evokes the tragic and tumultuous conditions in East Tennessee during the Civil War and the subsequent Reconstruction. In addition, she includes intriguing material on the lineage of the Tennessee Walking Horse, and more significantly, we view the birth of movements and organizations like Humane Society and SPCA.

In a time when America was trying to heal from the most devastating divisions, Dr Key and his wonderful horse were true uniters regardless of race or party --or even species.





Rating:
Summary: A little-known wrinkle of history, well-told
Review: First, the disclosures: I'm a newspaper reporter from Shelbyville, Tennessee, the small town where Dr. William Key and his amazing horse lived. I interviewed Mim Rivas in spring 2004 and again the day before the book was released, and found her charming. So if I gush, you'll forgive me.

But I really like this book. The story naturally draws together various themes and issues -- the Civil War, race relations, the true nature of animal intelligence, and the history of "World's Fair"-style expositions at their peak. Mim Rivas touches on all of these, but the story flows naturally, and you want to keep reading to find out exactly what happens to the three major characters (two men and a horse). Her affection for her subjects is apparent, but it's also contagious.