#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • From the author of the runaway phenomenon Unbroken comes a universal underdog story about the horse who came out of nowhere to become a legend.Seabiscuit was one of the most electrifying and popular attractions in sports history and the single biggest newsmaker in the world in 1938, receiving more coverage than FDR, Hitler, or Mussolini. But his success was a … Mussolini. But his success was a surprise to the racing establishment, which had written off the crooked-legged racehorse with the sad tail. Three men changed Seabiscuit’s fortunes:
Charles Howard was a onetime bicycle repairman who introduced the automobile to the western United States and became an overnight millionaire. When he needed a trainer for his new racehorses, he hired Tom Smith, a mysterious mustang breaker from the Colorado plains. Smith urged Howard to buy Seabiscuit for a bargain-basement price, then hired as his jockey Red Pollard, a failed boxer who was blind in one eye, half-crippled, and prone to quoting passages from Ralph Waldo Emerson. Over four years, these unlikely partners survived a phenomenal run of bad fortune, conspiracy, and severe injury to transform Seabiscuit from a neurotic, pathologically indolent also-ran into an American sports icon.
BONUS: This edition contains a Seabiscuit discussion guide and an excerpt from Unbroken.
Praise for Seabiscuit
“Fascinating . . . Vivid . . . A first-rate piece of storytelling, leaving us not only with a vivid portrait of a horse but a fascinating slice of American history as well.”—The New York Times
“Engrossing . . . Fast-moving . . . More than just a horse’s tale, because the humans who owned, trained, and rode Seabiscuit are equally fascinating. . . . [Laura Hillenbrand] shows an extraordinary talent for describing a horse race so vividly that the reader feels like the rider.”—Sports Illustrated
“REMARKABLE . . . MEMORABLE . . . JUST AS COMPELLING TODAY AS IT WAS IN 1938.”—The Washington Post
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Good book – lots of background details. Everyone over 40 knows how it ends but that does not detract from the story.
Enjoyed
This book taught me a lot about race horses and the spirit between a man and horse loved it.
Loved this book…read it in about a week and immediately told my wife…”I can’t wait for the movie!” Loved the movie too!
Great book by a great author
Wonderful characters and an insight into the world of horse racing. It’s a Cinderella Man, except for an equine.
Her books show her depth in research, make you truly understand the era and how this horse and those associated with it affected the nation during the depression! Loved it.
Most interesting story of a horse that inspired our nation during an otherwise dark time. Hillenbrand researched this so well and brought it to life. The life of jockeys, especially those connected with Seabiscuit, was very interesting and informative.
Superb
Read both of Laura’s books, both excellent reads!
Enjoyed it.
Extraordinarily researched.
Fantastic book…very difficult to put down. Great preview to the movie which left out many points of interest mentioned in the book.
I am a horse person. That means that I have spent my entire life reading books about horses. As a child, I read Billy and Blaze and The Black Stallion. Horse stories are somewhat scarce as an adult, but I like them still the same. Then came Seabiscuit. I had always heard the name of this little horse, and that he was an incredable racehorse, …
Great historical narrative
One of the best books ever.
I loved this book. It was an amazing story of an amazing horse that brought joy to the nation at a very difficult time. I have reread this book several times.
Outstanding true story of Seabiscuit. Highly recommended
Excellent non-fiction account by wonderful writer. Well plotted and engaging. Inspirational true stuff a remarkable horse. Read this-even if hou’ve Seen the movie! It’s that good.
Absolutely charming book. How could you not love this amazing horse who was the least likely to become a famous winner!