Ben Hogan: An American Life | 
| Author: James Dobson
Brand: Booklegger
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
Buy New: $9.75
You Save: $7.20 (42%)
New (22) Used (16) Collectible (1) from $5.97
Avg. Customer Rating:  20 reviews
Sales Rank: 137806
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 544
Shipping Weight (lbs): 1
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.3 x 1.3
ISBN: 0767908635
Dewey Decimal Number: 796
EAN: 9780767908634
ASIN: 0767908635
Publication Date: May 3, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: BRAND NEW
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| Features:
| • | Biographical | | • | Paper Back |
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Product Description
One of the country's most respected golf writers presents the definitive, fully authorized portrait of the game's greatest, and most intensely private, legend - Ben Hogan. Here is the biography that golfers and golf fans have been waiting for. This meticulously researched book goes behind the myths and provides the complete, unvarnished, and often surprising story of one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. Filled with fascinating details and deeply poignant insights, this book brings to life golf's most mythical and misunderstood figure - and a nostalgic American era - as never before.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 15 more reviews...
It goes beyond golf ... it's DRAMA! November 23, 2008
Being from Fort Worth ... Ben Hogan's territory ... I had the pleasure of chatting with this great man many years ago. I had been warned by some of my fellow broadcasters to "be prepared", since the "little iceman" was known to be very cold and uncaring after granting limited radio interviews. Instead, I found Mr. Hogan to be both warm and cordial. During my visit with him, I noticed he took his time in answering my questions, indicating he was giving deep study to my words of inquiry before responding. The seriousness of my humble interview was reflected in his dark eyes. It appears that most happenings in Ben Hogan's life were serious to him. Even a simple 3-foot-putt was given a deep, analytical study.
Ben Hogan was not only the greatest golfer during his years on the "tour", he was also a study in perfect concentration. His brain was locked into the game. His dedication to each individual "swing" during a round of golf forced him to ignore the happenings around him at the time. His wife, Valerie, said he sometimes failed to recognize her as she walked near him, outside the ropes, when he was in a tournament. She said, "Although he would look my way from time-to-time, his mind was so locked on the game that he actually didn't see me!"
This very good book is not restricted to golf. In reality, it is a focus on a perfectionist and his moods. There's never a dull moment. James Dodson, the author, took his time in capturing the real Ben Hogan.
Back in the early 50s, 20th Century Fox released a film on the life of Ben Hogan titled, "Follow The Sun", starring Glenn Ford as Hogan. It was a passable movie. However, it failed to present the "real" subject.
James Dobson's BEN HOGAN: AN AMERICAN LIFE doesn't miss a single putt!
A great biography (even if you don't like golf!) November 19, 2008
I didn't know anything about Ben Hogan when I picked up this book, other than the fact that Tiger Woods recently passed him on the "most tournaments won" list, and that he had a consistency in his swing that even Tiger admired. I was amazed at how Ben Hogan could channel the problems of his childhood (father's suicide, poverty, being small in stature) into hard work and demanding practice that eventually paid off in the world of professional golf. Here author Dodson gives us an intimate look at a true American life, humanizing "The Hawk". Anyone who can appreciate a good biography or a case study in sport psychology will appreciate this book.
For those who also like golf, I recommend reading this along with "Ben Hogan's Five Lessons," his famous instructional book. I was very motivated to try the techniques in the book after reading about Hogan's life and struggles in Dodson's biography, and shaved several strokes off my game!
Best to date October 22, 2008
Having read the other bio s of Mr. Hogan, I entered this book with a 'what's new' attitude. Was I wrong.
This is by far the best of the lot. Loved it. Nicely done, Mr. Dodson.
If you liked this book, you MUST read this interview! July 24, 2008
I found this incredible interview regarding how the game of Golf has changed over the years. You wouldn't believe the evolution! If you have any interest in the history of Golf, this is a must read. If you want to become even more knowledgeable on the subject, scroll to the bottom of the interview and get in touch with the author. After reading, I guarantee you will be able to lead the most interesting discussions and impress your friends!
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/interviewroden.html
 "Dig it out of the dirt" April 21, 2008
I had read that Hogan would tell other golf pros that came to him seeking golf swing advice that they should "dig it out of the dirt" like he did. What sounded like a brush off may have been simply the truth. Hogan dug his swing out of the dirt by putting more work in on it that anyone else. Perhaps that was his real "secret". Hard work.
This book puts a positive spin on a personality that was respected but was not uniformily well liked. Along the way the author gives enough well reseached detail to put human flesh and bones on an iconic figure. A good read. I recommend it.
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