The Legend of Bear Bryant

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Houston Post sportswriter Hers-kowitz met Bryant in 1954 the coach's first year leading the Texas A & M teamand was his friend for the next 29 years. PW's call: ``The book is more about the man and his leadership qualities than the games his teams won.'' (December)

Library Journal

As a sportswriter Herskowitz developed a close association with Bryant and openly acknowledges his admiration for the legendary football coach. He considers the ``Bear'' to have been an expert in the people business, from picking players and coaches to jousting with journalists. The author devotes a complete chapter to the charge that Bryant helped fix a 1962 game, but unlike James Kirby in his book Fumble ( LJ 9/1/86), believes him to be innocent of any wrongdoing. Bryant's vices are not ignored (drinking and gambling among them); however, this is less a penetrating biography than a career highlights commentary. William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.