The Eighth Wonder of the World
The True Story of André the Giant
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The Eighth Wonder of the World
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Narrated by:
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Graham Rowat
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Written by:
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Bertrand Hébert
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Pat Laprade
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 TantorWhat listeners say about The Eighth Wonder of the World
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 2022-03-25
Another gem by Hébert & Laprade
This is a great book. It's book written by authors who understand how to write historically. Not with a ton of hyperbole, not with a ton of sensationalism, sticking to the true facts.
They approach their writings more like historians.
I've read their other books and have even met them in person. They are passionate about what they're writing about and they are very knowledgeable. If they say "This is how it happened" then you can bet that it is indeed what happened.
They research their work extensively.
This is a big book, and it will take some dedication to get through.
This book gets a lot of flack for the narrator. I wasn't a fan of the narrator, particularly some of the mispronounced names and words. However, in most cases, the author doesn't have too much say in who narrates their book.
Unfortunately, having Hébert and Laprade narrate their own book would not be as appealing as it sometimes would be. These gentlemen are Québecois and have the accent to go along with it.
This is an excellent book, probably one of the best wrestling biographies I've ever read.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Martin S.
- 2025-01-11
Amazing
This is less a biography and more an entire lecture series on the life and legend of Andre the Giant. Not only filled with stories both happy and sad, the sheer wealth of information (despite Andre having a life filled with tales taller than The Giant himself), is astounding. Graham Rowat is a great narrator but did stumble on several pronunciations: better directing was needed. Regardless, an amazing book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Vlademirvonputin
- 2020-05-10
giant doc
most comprehensive story and life of andre the giant comes highly recommended to fans of andre
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 2022-06-04
Horrible Narrator
It's supposed to be one of the best wrestling biographies in the world but the narrator is so bad I wasn't able to get past the forward.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance2 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Langer MD
- 2023-11-11
Superficial "Biography"
Quebecois Authors Bertrand Hébert and Pat Laprade generate a logical/linear documentary of the professional life of a longtime Montreal resident & legendary wrestling icon.
The book focuses on events and accomplishments in the man's life in the Squared Circle, but the authors don't shy away from discussing his health condition (Acromegaly/Gigantism) and issues with alcohol abuse, either. The authors do, however, pay almost no attention to his womanizing, accusations of racism, and lifelong battles with depression. 'The Eighth Wonder Of The World' is far too light on subjective commentary (I didn't really feel like I knew the *man* better after reading this book), but it's compiled punctiliously, organized logically, heavily backed up with quotes and interviews, and never boring. What an interesting man.
Also on the "con" side of the Pro/Con ledger, Tantor Audio dropped the ball somewhat casting Graham Rowatt to read the book. Rowatt's diction and interested tone are creditable, but he reads with an oddly annoying "Sports Commentator" timbre & cadence. You're reading a book, sir.. not calling a ballgame. It's a bit of a challenging listen. Another reader could have delivered this audiobook soooooo much better.
Even with the subpar narration, however, this professional resumé (wrestling & acting) masquerading as a biography merits 4 stars out of 10. As a 'Plus' offering, it's not a crazy waste of time.. just keep browsing if they ask for a Credit.
[Note: A biography that happens to mention "his daughter" in one of the later chapters (What? He Had A Daughter?!?) isn't much of a "Biography", is it?]
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