Product Description

Evel Knievel became famous in the 1960s and 70s for his motorcycle jumps, culminating in the Snake River Canyon jump in 1973, on a "sky-cycle". This biography traces his life from his childhood in Montana to his decline into alcoholism at 60.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #639131 in Books
• Published on: 2000-09-22
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 240 pages

Customer Reviews

Engaging and well-written bio...
... Evel Incarnate is a masterly account of the myth and reality of Evel Knievel and is a well-written and engaging read. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone, whether they be a die-hard Evel fan, rev-head or just after an entertaining biography one of the 20th centuries more interesting celebrity sportsmen. Who could be disappointed with that?

Balance, skill and control - Mandich has what Evel lacked.
Let's just say that the BBC documentary `Touch of Evel' would have benefitted greatly if this book had been available at the time of production! Mandich's masterly yet affectionate execution fills in all the gaps - it is the quiet authoritative voice behind the hollering and bluster of the legend. It shows meticulous research without descending into geekdom, and hits the spot more accurately than Evel did in a thousand jumps. Splendid.

Disturbing snapshot of speedfreak 70s Americana...
There are many reasons why Steve Mandich--editor of the terrific Heinous and Monorail zines--was the only possible choice to chronicle Evel's strange life. He truly loves the daredevil's accomplishments, yet unlike most of the fanboys, he can look critically at aspects of the EK Legend, and sees no need to whitewash Evel's behavior. Evel Incarnate is well-researched, with an engagingly wry style and none of the cobbled together feel that infects many zinesters' first books. Evel's rambunctious youth, the failures of his early adulthood, his years of bone-smashing glory and his decline into alcoholic eccentricity are all chronicled, as is the rise of motorcycle jumping in America and abroad. Even if you're not particularly interested in Evel, pick this up for the account of the Altamont-like scene at the grounds of his Snake Canyon River jump, as disturbing a snapshot of speedfreak seventies Americana as you'll find anywhere. Highly recommended.