The Life and Legacy of Frank Gotch: King of the Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestlers
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4/5 Stars
A forty year veteran in writing of the business known as wrestling, on the board of directors for the Cauliflower Alley Club, the founder of the Dan Gable International Wrestling Institute, has written over 600 columns for magazines and 20 books 14 of which on the subject of the aforementioned. One of which an historical novel on the life of Frank Gotch, who is considered the very best catch-as-catch-can wrestlers of all time by man, he held the world heavyweight title for a whole decade to finally retire with the belt.
The Life and Legacy of Frank Gotch is more about his legacy or more precisely what created it and the effects it still holds today rather than his actual life. Given that Frank died nearly a century ago there is no real surprise in the lack of information about his personal life. Starting with a preface that really sets the tone of the whole book, just how important a figure Gotch was in the early 1900's. The written section takes up just 72 pages, it covers many important moments from his beginning with Martin 'Farmer' Burns to matches with Tom Jenkins and the infamous matches with George Hackenschmidt. Although most of the occasions discussed in the book are quite well known considering how long ago they were, Chapman offers a balanced look at conflicting stories, the evidence that backs them and finally makes his conclusion after evaluating the possibilities. Mike provides insight on to the overwhelming popularity Gotch had achieved along with the financial gains, Mike concludes with a comparison of Frank to wrestlers through-out history using again the information at hand to show why he thinks Frank Gotch is truly the King of the Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestlers.
End notes to provide sources is provided at the rear of the book along with a bibliography of literature used. A 67 page photo section shows a time line of his life, this is a nice collection of photographs, capturing some unique moments many of which never previously published. Mike Chapman has compiled a short, fun read highlighting the amazing career of Frank Gotch, although what is mentioned is covered in great detail over all you feel like there is more to know about this as described in the book 'super man.' It is worth reading for the comparisons of theories, and the information that is provided, however if you are in some way new to Frank Gotch this is the perfect place to start discovering possibly the best, it's enjoyable and shows Gotch as the true star he was.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
Review of The Life and Legacy of Frank Gotch.
Reviewer: Jimmy Wheeler.
Published: Pre-2020.
Book Review: #24.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
Unique content strictly for the Professional Wrestling Historical Society.
Review of The Life and Legacy of Frank Gotch.
Reviewer: Jimmy Wheeler.
Published: Pre-2020.
Book Review: #24.
Editor: Jimmy Wheeler.
The Life and Legacy of Frank Gotch: King of the Catch-as-Catch-Can Wrestlers.
Author: Mike Chapman.
Pages: 149.
Published as Paperback: April 1, 2008.
Publisher: Paladin Press.