Promotional Information

The true story of three men and their dreams for a racehorse -- Seabiscuit -- that symbolised a pivotal moment in American history as modern America was born out of the crucible of the Depression and the dustbowl, as the C20th's greatest nation found the courage to bet on itself to win against the odds. / WINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR 2001 / The New York Times No.1 bestseller / Over 20,000 HBs in print in the UK / Paperback review coverage assured / Jockey dummy window display materials available / www.seabiscuitonline.com

About the Author

Laura Hillenbrand is an award-winning writer and contributor to American Heritage, and contributing editor to Equus magazine.

Reviews

'A rip-roaring narrative from a cobwebbed chapter of the Depression' Stuart Wavell, Sunday Times 'Hillenbrand tells the story of the triumphs and tribulations of her cast of misfits with flair and skill, relishing the larger than life characters who inhabited this forgotten demimonde.' Stuart Wavell, Sunday Times 'Most readable ! a wonderful tale' Geoffrey Wheatcroft, Daily Mail 'This season's literary sensation' Mark Steinberger, Financial Times Sunday Times, 8 July: 'A classic tale' Observer, 8 July: 'great horse, great name, great story, very good book !. this one could run and run'

Who would have thought that a small bay horse built more like a stocky cow pony than a thoroughbred would become one of the most famous race horses in American history and one of the most popular personalities in the Depression-ravaged 1930s? Hillenbrand has done an amazing job of bringing to life all the events that shaped Seabiscuit's racing career. Through diligent research she shows us each of the people who made this "runty little horse" the Cinderella of the race track. Seabiscuit was one of Man O'War's heirs, and though nothing like his grandsire in looks, he surpassed him in speed. But it took three men to get the horse into winning shape: Charles Howard, the owner with a vision; Tom Smith, the trainer who took the time required to understand the horse; and Red Pollard, the jockey who learned what it took to get the most out of his mount. Narrated by Richard M. Davidson, this is an intensely interesting look at life in the 1930s, life at the track, and the life of a legendary racehorse. Sure to be popular in all public libraries. Theresa Connors, Arkansas Tech Univ., Russellville Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.

HGifted sportswriter Hillenbrand unearths the rarefied world of thoroughbred horse racing in this captivating account of one of the sport's legends. Though no longer a household name, Seabiscuit enjoyed great celebrity during the 1930s and 1940s, drawing record crowds to his races around the country. Not an overtly impressive physical specimenD"His stubby legs were a study in unsound construction, with huge, squarish, asymmetrical `baseball glove' knees that didn't quite straighten all the way"Dthe horse seemed to transcend his physicality as he won race after race. Hillenbrand, a contributor to Equus magazine, profiles the major players in Seabiscuit's fantastic and improbable career. In simple, elegant prose, she recounts how Charles Howard, a pioneer in automobile sales and Seabiscuit's eventual owner, became involved with horse racing, starting as a hobbyist and growing into a fanatic. She introduces esoteric recluse Tom Smith (Seabiscuit's trainer) and jockey Red Pollard, a down-on-his-luck rider whose specialty was taming unruly horses. In 1936, Howard united Smith, Pollard and "The Biscuit," whose performance had been spottyDand the horse's star career began. Smith, who recognized Seabiscuit's potential, felt an immediate rapport with him and eased him into shape. Once Seabiscuit started breaking records and outrunning lead horses, reporters thronged the Howard barn day and night. Smith's secret workouts became legendary and only heightened Seabiscuit's mystique. Hillenbrand deftly blends the story with explanations of the sport and its culture, including vivid descriptions of the Tijuana horse-racing scene in all its debauchery. She roots her narrative of the horse's breathtaking career and the wild devotion of his fans in its socioeconomic context: Seabiscuit embodied the underdog myth for a nation recovering from dire economic straits. (Mar.) Forecast: Despite the shrinking horse racing audienceDand the publishing adage that books on horse racing don't sellDthis book has the potential to do well, even outside the realm of the racing community, due to a large first printing and forthcoming Universal Studios movie. A stylish cover will attract both baby boomers and young readers, tapping into the sexiness and allure of the "Sport of Kings." Hillenbrand's glamorous photo on the book jacket won't hurt her chances, and Seabiscuit should sell at a galloping pace. Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.