Publisher Description

The most definitive and exhaustive biography of André the Giant on the market. While exploring André's amazing in-ring career and the indelible mark he left on pop culture, Laprade and Hébert have crafted the most complete portrait of a modern-day mythical being.
From field producer for HBO's André the Giant Pat Laprade and renowned wrestling historian Bertrand Hébert comes a definitive and exhaustive biography of André the Giant … now in paperback! "The gold standard for wrestling biographies." — Wrestling Observer Is there a way to find truth in the stuff of legend? You may think you know André the Giant — but who was André Roussimoff? Through exhaustive research and exclusive interviews with family and friends, The Eighth Wonder of the World offers a comprehensive exploration of André's amazing wrestling career and the indelible mark he left on pop culture, including his role in the cult classic film The Princess Bride. Born in France, André worked on his family's farm until he was 18, when he moved to Paris to pursue professional wrestling. A truly extraordinary figure, André 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. This 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. Transporting readers beyond the smoke and mirrors of professional wrestling into the life of a real man, Laprade and Hébert have crafted the most complete portrait of a modern-day mythical being.

Back Cover

Is there a way to find truth in the stuff of legend? You may think you know Andr

Flap

Is there a way to find truth in the stuff of legend? You may think you know Andr

Author Biography

Pat Laprade has been involved in pro wrestling for more than 15 years. He was a field producer for HBO's critically acclaimed documentary André the Giant. With Bertrand Hébert he co-authored Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs and Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story. Involved in pro wrestling for more than 25 years, Hébert also co-wrote Pat Patterson's biography, Accepted.

Review

"The Eighth Wonder of the World: The True Story of André the Giant is a must-read for any and all with even a fleeting interest in the wrestling business or the mesmeric André ... It's brimming with information and stories that even the most ardent of wrestling fans will be completely unaware of." -- WhatCulture
"Laprade and Hébert have astutely balanced information and entertainment, leaving us with a page-turner when we need it most. There's no better way for wrestling fans to get through social distancing than by reading The Eighth Wonder of the World: The True Story of André the Giant. When we compile the list of 20 Best Wrestling Books of the Next 20 Years, this André the Giant book is going on top." -- The Wrestling Estate

Long Description

The most definitive and exhaustive biography of Andr

Review Quote

"Unlike traditional biographies, we don't just get a chronological recollection of Andr

Excerpt from Book

Pontiac, Michigan, March 29, 1987. The story goes like this... Andr

Details