'Gypsy Jem' and 'Black Ajax' are of a similar style, stories loosely based on fact but not what I would call a biography. For a long time this was the only Driscoll book I owned but books like this just aren't what I enjoy reading.
Did anyone ever read the “Sonny Liston in a new light, the spirit behind the man from the afterlife” a co written Sonny Liston autobiography by Paul Gallender?
Its a blend of facts and fiction,in that the author puts words into real life characters mouths.I found that annoying in the Ketchel book but acceptable in this one.Are you in the UK? Because you can buy it on Amazon Uk for just under £3.00 pp
I never knew that boxing-based historical fiction was even a thing. You should check out the short novel Fat City some time, if you haven’t already.
I haven't read it but know quite a bit about the background of the film.George Kimball the boxing writer was very close with the director and I believe the author.Its a very good film.I'll have a look for the book on Amazon tonight.Thanks. ps Boxing fiction has been around for a very long time. Perhaps one of the earliest examples is Cashel Byron's Profession by GB Shaw and The Croxley Master by AC Doyle.I enjoyed this one. Fifty Grand by Ernest Hemingway and The Professional by W C Heinz are about as good as it gets imo. Here are some more examples I enjoyed. Cashel Byron's Profession by George Bernard Shaw. The Croxley Master by Arthur Conan Doyle. The Comeback by Maurice Richardson. The Undefeated by Ernest Hemingway. A Piece Of Steak by Jack London. And a rhyming story by John Masefield one of my favourite poets. Kane And Myers.
"The Illinois ThunderBolt" by Larry Carli is the worst I've read. The details on Billy Papke's life, both inside and outside the ring, are scant.
Bert Sugar`s 100 greatest fighters of all-time, I haven`t read it but I`ve sen his list and it`s nonesense, he knew nothing about boxing, but had great stories and told them well in interviews.
