The Eighth Wonder of the World cover art

The Eighth Wonder of the World

The True Story of André the Giant

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The Eighth Wonder of the World

By: Bertrand Hébert, Pat Laprade
Narrated by: Graham Rowat
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About this listen

A definitive and exhaustive biography

Is there a way to find truth in the stuff of legend? You may think you know Andre the Giant - but who was Andre Roussimoff? This comprehensive biography addresses the burning questions, outrageous stories, and common misconceptions about his height, his weight, his drawing power as a superstar, and his seemingly unparalleled capacity for food and alcohol. But more importantly, The Eighth Wonder of the World transports listeners beyond the smoke and mirrors of professional wrestling into the life of a real man.

Born in France, Andre worked on his family's farm until he was 18, when he moved to Paris to pursue professional wrestling. A truly extraordinary figure, Andre went on to become an international icon and world traveler, all while battling acromegaly. While his disorder is what made him a giant and a household name, it's also what caused his untimely death at 46.

With exhaustive research, exclusive interviews with family and friends, and an exploration of Andre's amazing in-ring career and the indelible mark he left on pop culture, Laprade and Hebert have crafted the most complete portrait of a modern-day mythical being.

©2020 Bertrand Hébert and Pat Laprade (P)2020 Tantor Combat Sports & Self-Defense Entertainment & Celebrities Sports Wrestling Celebrity Combat Sports Wrestling Biographies

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All stars
Most relevant  
It is about time Andre got a biography that focused on who he really was and tries it's best to highlight the legends and myths about him, but also to point out which ones are accurate and which ones are not. Towards the end it gets very emotional. Beautiful book.

Best wrestling book in years.

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A great insight into his great career and struggle through life. Brilliantly narrated, a very enjoyable audio book

Brilliant

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As a teen-ager in the 90's I remember the WWF wrestling being very popular and Andre the giant was in his final years of wrestling. I didn't know he did it for years, really enjoyed listening to his life story.

Brilliant story

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. . . some unforgivable pronunciation errors and misreadings. Still an incredible story of an incredib!e man that cuts through much of the myth and BS.

Amazing but . . .

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So many times I get audiobooks and it’s the narration that kills it for me.
I’m not sure why but I found this book so easy to listen to.
I had a weekend with a 1400 mile drive and I listened to the full story.
I’ve read other Andre books and watched docs but they’re all tall tales.
Great to get some factual information.
A really great wrestling book.

Great book with great narration.

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I can understand why this book got so much critical acclaim from the likes of Jim Cornette. It really is the definitive story of André the Giant and should be the standard by which all future wrestling biographies are judged. Easy to pick up for a non-wrestling fan due to the extremely detailed writing where everything is placed in context and enough gems that even the most hardcore fan of wrestling will learn something. The references to other biographies and other wrestling books is greatly appreciated giving the text an almost academic feel. I will be purchasing the Mad Dog Vachon book on the back of this work.

However, the narrator is awful. Everything is monotone cheeriness and there is more than one pronunciation error (Tony Skee-a-voni!). The material made the book gripping, the narrator tried his hardest to kill it. I'd really like to see somebody step up and take the mantle of designated wrestling book reader. The voices of wrestling have made a big impact through the years, having a serious name attaching themselves to this role in the future would be fantastic. I'd still highly recommend the audiobook if you're unlikely to purchase the book though.

7* book - DUD narrator

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Great insight to the life and myths around Andre the giant

Everything from his early career to the end it’s a great synopsis of a legend

Outstanding

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This is a good listen, it really opens up the legend that is Andre, given a great account of who he was and how he became the 8th wonder of the world
it also gives a small glimpse into the other side of his life that was not on screen and what he went through everyday.

Amazing story

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this story tells of a legend who was kind and genorous and loved by many

great

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Absolutely brilliant super detailed book with plenty of information about Andre’s wrestling career as well as his personal life and him as a person however I do wish it was balanced a little better but overall great book.

Andre truly one of those legends of wrestling I still cannot truly believe actually existed.

I wish that Andre and Undertaker match happened!

Rest in Peace Andre

Andre…what a Giant and what a Man!

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