Product Description

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #893166 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-01
• Released on: 2005-08-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

From Publishers Weekly
Bryant (1913-1983) retired in 1982 as the winningest coach in major college football history, with 323 victories, more than either of the legends Amos Alonzo Stagg or Pop Warner. Starting in 1935 at Union College in Jackson, Tenn., Bryant then served as an assistant coach at Alabama and Vanderbilt, spent four years in the service and then coached at Maryland, Kentucky and Texas A&M before returning to Alabama in 1958, where he stayed until he retired. From a background of grinding rural poverty, he found football a means of escape and, driven himself, always favored players whose drive was their strongest attribute. Freelance journalist Dunnavant demonstrates that Bryant was revered in his adopted state because, at a time when Alabama came in for opprobrium as the home of Bull Connor, George Wallace and Bloody Sunday in Selma, he was respected throughout the country as a rugged, earthy yet disciplined and decent man. And while not in the forefront of the battle for integration, it suited him well, for many of the young African Americans who went to Tuscaloosa came from a background similar to his and he understood them. Though hagiographic, this bio makes for good reading.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Bryant, the legendary football coach for the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, set a major college record of 323 wins during his storied career. In this biography, journalist Dunnavant portrays a poor Arkansas farm boy who became a hard-nosed football player and an equally tough coach. After tours at Kentucky and Texas A&M, "Bear"?whose nickname came from a bout with a live animal?came to stay as the feared but admired Crimson Tide mentor. Stressing loyalty and discipline, he did not hesitate to suspend Joe Namath and other transgressors. Updating Bryant's own Bear (Little, Brown, 1974) this account cites the subject's failings?drinking, smoking, and gambling?along with accomplishments. Recommended for public and high school libraries.?Morey Berger, St. Joseph's Hosp. Lib., Tucson, Ariz.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist
Bear Bryant, who won more games than any other college football coach, died from a heart attack one month after his 1983 retirement from the University of Alabama. Bryant was truly defined by football, and that all-consuming focus is reflected in this substantive biography. Author Dunnavant is an unashamed Bryant admirer, but he's not a blind apologist. He points out that Bryant's success was a product of both the man and the times in which he coached. His dictatorial style is out of fashion now, and even his smoking and drinking would be frowned on today. But in countless examples, Dunnavant shows Bryant's ability as a leader. Dozens of interviews reveal the depth of feeling Bryant inspired in people; he was clearly the embodiment of the coach as father figure. For those who like more action and less psychology in their football biographies, there are plenty of game accounts. Throughout, Bryant emerges as a complex man who applied himself to a simple game: it's a thought-provoking combination for gridiron fans. Wes Lukowsky

Customer Reviews

Great Read
All told, "Coach: The Life of Paul 'Bear' Bryant" is probably the best in-depth analysis of Bryant as not only a coach but as a man. Although "The Last Coach", a new Bryant biography, may eventually take this particular book's place in that regard, this is nonetheless the standard text for those seeking an in-depth look at Paul "Bear" Bryant.

Most Bryant biographies lack depth and real analysis, and mostly just repeat common knowledge such as "Mama called", etc. However, this particular book thoroughly analyzes and details Bryant as he grew up in the Moro Bottoms of rural Arkansas, and what were the influences that shaped his life. It has a great section regarding Bryant as a player, and the writing on Bryant as a coach is particularly good, dealing with Bryant's views on the psychology, philosophy and strategy of the game. Moreover, the sections of the book regarding the Bryant / Butts scandal, and the Holt / Granning incident are all particularly good.

I would recommend this to anyone looking to read about Bryant.

Extremely well written biography of Coach Bryant's Career
This book makes you think you knew Coach Bryant, or at least makes you wish you had. It is entertaining, as well as informative, for college football fans of all ages. For Alabama Fans it is a must. Thank you, Keith for bringing Coach Bryant's life to those of us who missed seeing him while he was alive.

Well-done biography
Mr. Dunnvant admits from the beginning that, like many Alabamians, he grew up in awe of Paul Bryant. But he has succeeded in writing a fair, balanced portrayal of a complicated man. Bryant's failings are not glossed over, nor are they treated with sensationalism. A solid biography and a good read for college football fans.