"The most absorbing and readable sports biography in recent memory" from the Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter and author (Robert Lipsyte, The New York Times).
Joe DiMaggio was, at every turn, one man we could look at who made us feel good.
In the hard-knuckled thirties, he was the immigrant boy who made it big—and spurred the New York Yankees to a new era of dynasty. He was Broadway Joe, the icon of elegance, the man who wooed and won Marilyn Monroe—the most beautiful girl America could dream up.
Joe DiMaggio was a mirror of our best self. And he was also the loneliest hero we ever had.
In this groundbreaking biography, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Richard Ben Cramer presents a shocking portrait of a complicated, enigmatic life. The story that DiMaggio never wanted told, tells of his grace—and greed; his dignity, pride—and hidden shame. It is a story that sweeps through the twentieth century, bringing to light not just America's national game, but the birth (and the price) of modern national celebrity.
"An extraordinary biography . . . This work will go down as one of the most definitive stories of a life and its times, sports or otherwise . . . You will not be disappointed." —Larry King, USA Today
"Absolutely persuasive . . . Cramer is an all-star reporter . . . DiMaggio is rendered so vividly you almost want to look away." —Daniel Okrent, Time
"An often brilliant and deeply disturbing look into the rise of one of the country's modern-day giants." —Ken Garcia, San Francisco Chronicle