Category Archives: biography
Jim Thorpe: Original All-American (Joseph Bruchac)
He’s been called the greatest athlete of all time. That’s a lofty claim when you consider competing for that informal title is Michael Phelps and Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. But Jim Thorpe, … Continue reading
The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid (Bill Bryson)
When I was a kid, every day was packed with ten times the activities I’d dream of doing now. Most of it was spontaneous, like finding out what kind of dog was barking on the next block. All of it … Continue reading
Lincoln and Darwin Dual Bicentennial
A remarkable coincidence will be observed next week. Two men who made enormous impacts on the world were born on the same day two hundred years ago: February 12, 1809. Abraham Lincoln, arguably the greatest American president, was born in … Continue reading
Shameless Exploitation (Paul Newman)
When I heard the news this morning that Paul Newman had died, I, like everyone else, immediately recalled memorable scenes from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, Cool Hand Luke, The Sting, and many other films he made during his … Continue reading
Filed under biography
First Scientific American (Joyce Chaplin)
I was telling you last time how much enjoy reading about Benjamin Franklin. Now permit me to mention the umpteenth biography I’ve read about him. Franklin had at least five successful careers: writer, businessman, scientist, civic leader, international statesman. Biographers … Continue reading
