University of Alabama

The Last Coach- A Life of Paul -Bear- Bryant

5 stars (THE LAST COACH - THE END OF AN ERA) - Okay, I'm only half way through this book, but I have to say that this is truly one of the best books I have ever read. It's a funny feeling you get when you read this book. As a man, I don't know if I respect Paul Bryant more or less (as a coach, no one compares). What I do know is that I have learned a lot. I love the game of college football, and I long for the days of men like The Bear. 5 stars (researcher par excellance) - Allen Barra is the finest researcher author in the area of sports books. His ability to delve into Bryant's character and his coaching career speaks volumes on his researching ability. Allen has an interesting writing style that captures the readers attention, and makes the book that much more enjoyable. As a fellow historian/researcher and former college football coach I highly recommend this book. 5 stars (An American hero) - It's hard to believe, but it took more than twenty years after Bear Bryant's death to produce a book worthy of a great American hero. Barra has accurately summed up Bryant's greatness as well as his shortcomings and gives an honest objective look at both. Nitpickers with grudges can criticize all they like, but this book will stand up over the years. Paul Hornung was indeed the most sought after football player to come out of Kentucky in his senior year; I know, I was there, and Barra tells the story of his unsuccesful recrutiment by Coach Bryant with total accuracy. Alan Page was indeed the first black starter on the Notre Dame football player, a fact recorded in many places. As for Coach Bryant's drinking, the subject is handled with fairness and taste. Anyone who doesn't approve of Bryant's drinking would be well advised to remember Lincoln's reply when he was told that General Grant drank; every football coach in the country should be given a case of whatever Bryant liked. ...
W W Norton :: Sports & Recreation & General :: Sports & Recreation & Football :: Biography & Autobiography & Sports :: University of Alabama :: United States :: Sports - Gene :: The Last Coach- A Life of Paul -Bear- Bryant