Speed Kings

Praise

“The care Bull demonstrates in developing each of the figures in this engrossing narrative is almost novelistic…A well-written and entertaining sports story.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“Speed Kings is the best kind of sports writing: a vibrant tapestry of personalities that also provides an intimate picture of major historical events. In this compelling tale of winter athletes competing on the world stage, we also glimpse the threads that pulled Europe and America inexorably toward a catastrophic war. A fine piece of narrative storytelling with great characters and excellent reportage.”
 —McKay Jenkins, author of The Last Ridge
 
“Speed Kings brings to life the fascinating creation of the Winter Olympics and dives into the psychology of early extreme athletes. Best of all, it’s told through the eyes of thrillingly complex characters, some of them admirable and some of them deliciously devious. It’s rare to be so educated on a forgotten part of history, yet so joyfully entertained. Andy Bull clearly did some painstaking research to weave together this epic narrative.”
 —Reed Albergotti, co-author of Wheelmen
 
 
“Talk about a fast read! Bull’s tale starts at a breakneck pace and never lets up, taking in stories of playboys, princes, pilots, and prize fighters along the way. Speed Kings is not only a great adventure story of perseverance against the odds; it’s also a brilliant evocation of a romantic and riskier era.”
—Michael Blanding, author of The Map Thief