Evel

The High-Flying Life of Evel Knievel: American Showman, Daredevil, and Legend

By: Leigh Montville

Narrated by: Danny Campbell

From New York Times bestselling author Leigh Montville, this riveting and definitive new biography pulls back the red, white, and blue cape on a cultural icon—and reveals the unknown, complex, and controversial man known to millions around the world as Evel Knievel.

Evel Knievel was a high-flying daredevil, the father of extreme sports, the personification of excitement and dan­ger and showmanship . . . and in the 1970s Knievel repre­sented a unique slice of American culture and patriotism. His jump over the fountains at Caesar’s Palace led to a crash unlike anything ever seen on television, and his attempt to rocket over Snake River Canyon in Idaho was something only P. T. Barnum could have orchestrated. The dazzling motorcycles and red-white-and-blue outfits became an integral part of an American decade. Knievel looked like Elvis . . . but on any given Saturday afternoon millions tuned in to the small screen to see this real-life action hero tempt death.

But behind the flash and the frenzy, who was the man? Bestselling author Leigh Montville masterfully explores the life of the complicated man from the small town of Butte, Montana. He delves into Knievel’s amazing place in pop culture, as well as his notorious dark side—and his complex and often contradictory relationships with his image, the media, his own family, and his many demons. Evel Knievel’s story is an all-American saga, and one that is largely untold. Leigh Montville once again delivers a definitive biography of a one-of-a-kind sports legend.

What a promoter.

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I remember him growing up in Idaho and attempting to jump over the snake river canyon. It was interesting to hear about his life as he faded from view. He was one of those great promoters but ultimately led a sad life.

Finally got the story

It was really good he was my idol. I was born in 74 so was late but he made me want to ride. No I’m all broken also 🤘🏽 teach your kids soccer or baseball. Motorbikes are addictive

good book

Lots of things I didn't know about the evil Knievel and I thought I knew it all

Fascinating on many levels

Solid narration, well researched biography, and an intimate look at an American original. Best damn toy ever! But I never knew anything about him, his career, or his impact upon sports and society. He was just this guy with a cape who flew his motorcycle through the air on the TV when I was a kid. And then he just sort of disappeared. So glad I listened to this audio book. He’s the patron saint of the knuckleheads. The OG jackass.

Authoritative, detailed, and EPIC!

This audiobook was enthralling on every level. It really takes a deep dive into the weeds of every facet of this 20th century icon’s rise and fall, on what must be the definitive bio on Knievel. I literally could not stop listening to this thing. Captivating narration, as well… with one unforgivable exception (and hence the four star rating): the word motorcycle was consistently mispronounced. I know this might sound trite, and I did read about this in several of the other reviews. But man… of all the words to mispronounce in a mo-fo Evel Knievel biography! Good Lord. It became, quite literally, a 17-hour distraction. Still, though… highly recommended!