pamiverson's review against another edition
4.0
While this is a biography of Babe Ruth, the baseball player, it also looks at broader issues, including being the first American celebrity, aspects of his history that are misunderstood (notably, he was not an orphan), race, religion, and others. Fascinating, if a bit long, with an order to the book that is a bit confusing.
cemeterygates's review against another edition
5.0
I'd always known ABOUT Babe Ruth, but it was like in the Sandlot -- he was more tall tale than person. Leavy made him real: His skills and flaws, his big personality and perhaps the deep ache inside that made him. This is the story of creating a myth. A new favorite baseball book.
jeffw's review
3.0
Enjoyed the new anecdotes about Babe, but did not like the organization of the book.
alanfederman's review
5.0
Let me preface my review by saying, without hesitation, I love baseball books. There's a wide range out there - some focusing on very specific games and players and then there's this book. Sure it's about Babe Ruth (and Moby Dick is about a whale), but it's about the rise of the celebrity, the ascendency of pop culture, the cult of personality, abandonment, and yes, baseball. Specifically the evolution of the game from the Ty Cobb slap hitters to the Babe's gargantuan home runs. The writing is spectacular and the book is framed within the context of Babe and Lou Geherig's barnstorming tour after the 1927 World Series. Each chapter focuses on a stop and an aspect of the Babe's life. Myths were debunked (I always thought he really was an orphan - he wasn't) and the author brought a larger than life character literally to life. I've already read Jane Leavy's Koufax biography, and despite my loathing of the Yankees, it seems I'll need to read her Mantle biography next!
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