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Summary: A Winner, just like the man himself!
Review: This is a great book, and you don't have to be a football fan to enjoy this biography of one of our nation's greatest leaders. David Maraniss takes us into the life of Vince Lombardi like no one has before. His research and writing about the great Coach's childhood tells us why and how Lombardi became Lombardi. A must read for anyone interested in leadership. Should win the Pulitzer for biography for its research and style
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Summary: Most comprehensive bio of Lombardi
Review: Excellent book. Gives much more insight into Lombardi the man and the Packers organization than I ever thought possible. The pictures alone are priceless. Lombardi as a youth doesn't look anything like I thought he would, and the information about his father and mother are superb. I've read nearly every football book that is out there, and all of the books about the Packers of this era, and I didn't think anyone could add any additional pertinent and interesting information about the Packers, but this book did it.
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Summary: GREAT!!!!!!!!!
Review: This is one of the best Biographies I have ever read. There is more to Vince Lombardi than you see in the propaganda pieces of NFL Films. What was especially interesting was his time at West Point. That is where I think he first started on his road to greatness. It did not gloss over his role as a father. I never knew that he was that distant. I think He would have turned the Redskins into a winner sooner than George Allen. A brilliant book.
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Summary: OUTSTANDING! THE QUINTESSENTIAL LOMBARDI !!
Review: I wholeheartedly agree with the comments of the other readers who have reviewed this book. Excellent research, writing, documentation, and particularly the insights gained via interviews with players, friends, foes and family make this a must read for football fans and/or those wanting to know more about the life and times of St. Vince.
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Summary: An Untold Tale Of Vince, As Recounted By Louie Anderson
Review: In case David Maraniss did not tell you in his book, Louie Anderson and his father had the honor of meeting Vince Lombardi in an episode of "Life With Louie". In the story, which recounts the annual trip that Louie's dad takes to Green Bay to see the Packers with one of his children. That year, it was Louie's turn and he got to finally meet him. He asked Louie who he was and well, Louie explained that his father was Crazy Legs Anderson and that he was Crazy Legs, Junior. All in all, it was an episode that would never be forgotten! BTW, it will be 30 years next year that not only we lost Vince, but Brian Piccilo as well!
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Summary: Great subject, great writing!!!
Review: Given a chance I would run through a wall for this legendary coach. He is exactly what the youth of today are missing. Mr. Maraniss has portrayed Lombardi not as a saint, but for what he was, a human being, with faults just like the rest of us. However, despite whatever emotions he may have instilled in those close to him; fear, anger, or hate there was always love and respect. We should all be fortunate to have a Vince Lombardi in our lives. By the way I just bought a copy for my dad. He'll love it.
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Summary: This is not just a sports book or a book about sports
Review: For football fans and non-fans alike, for men and women, for anyone with an interest in leadership, psychology, family dynamics, ambition, organization, and American culture, this is a book you will love. David Maraniss writes biographies that read like novels using the most powerful prose and beautiful language. As a woman who follows football, I thought I knew all the important facts about Vince Lombardi's life. Not a chance. Don't be daunted by the length; every page is laced with fascinating and dramatic details. The Ice Bowl chapter is one of the greatest pieces of writing (of any kind) I have ever read. While I knew the outcome, I was still riveted by the drama. It is compelling, intense and funny all at the same time. I actually felt cold as I was reading it, as though I was there all along. That's really the key to the entire book-you may think you know the Lombardi story, but Maraniss makes you feel like you were there with him...all along the way.
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Summary: Possibly the greatest sports biography ever written
Review: If you are thinking about passing on this book because you've read a hundred other things on Lombardi, don't.I almost did. Amongst other things, I'm a football junkie, a bit of an amateur historian on the subject, and felt that I knew enough about Vince--regardless of how fascinating a subject he is. I bought the book on the basis of its good reviews, and let me tell you every other book I have about Vince has been replaced by this book. It is probably the best sports biography ever written. First off Maraniss is a world class writer, and this isn't written at the Junior High level as many sports books are. Second, the quality of his research--the dates, details, quotes and interviews--is staggering. An objective look at Lombardi as a family man, a father gives us a real taste of his life. It puts the times and Vince's achievements into perspective, and I never once felt that the airing of what technically could be considered "dirty laundry"(although it is tame by 1990s standards) lessened Lombardi in my eyes. On the contrary, it made him more of a realistic, vunerable person who's life becomes all the more remarkable for it.
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Summary: Outstanding
Review: This book was great not only as a biography, but as an exploration of how American society changed over Lombardi's lifetime. Marraniss makes these points without hurting his compelling narrative. This is no simple task.Simply one of the best biographies I have read. As a graduate of Cathedral Prep, the only thing to quibble with is the address of the school, which was 555 Washington Avenue.But the research that went into the book is meticulous, and always adds to the story. I would strongly recommend this book.
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Summary: David Maraniss digs deep to unearth Vince Lombardi's life.
Review: The historical underpinings from the immigrant Italian family living in Brooklyn, cutting through WWII, stopping at West Point and continuing to Green Bay, Wisconsin is nothing short of a historical education of America in the 20th Century. Vince Lombardi's range of experiences through his involvement in the sport of football constructs a timeline of how rapidly the world has changed in the last 100 years. Maraniss delves into the life of Lombardi to discover what made him the legend he is in the society of sports people. Lombardi's strength of character sprang from his upbringing. Maraniss does such a fine job of detailing Lombardi's childhood that you can see where the strong influences of church and family guided his sense of duty and passion in life. The reader will be providing herself or himself an outstanding education of a facet of society that covers more than just the renaissance man named Vince Lombardi. Anyone who enjoys biographies MUST read When Pride Still Mattered.
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