Pete Maravich: The Authorized Biography of Pistol Pete (Paperback)

by Wayne Federman (Author), Marshall Terrill (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist
The late Pete Maravich is a basketball legend. He averaged more than 44 points a game in his career at Louisiana State University—before the advent of the three-point shot—and 24 during his NBA career. But more than his scoring was his passing. He was inarguably the most spectacular, creative passer in the history of the game. Pete was the son of a successful coach, Press Maravich, and neighbors recall young Pete hanging out of a car window, dribbling, while his dad drove slowly around the side streets, gradually picking up speed. Federman and Terrill recount Maravich’s playing career in entertaining fashion, though the sheer number of game accounts is numbing. As for the personal Pete, they come to many of the same conclusions as Mark Kriegel did in his masterful 2006 biography, Pistol—that success on the basketball court did not translate to happiness. It was only after his career was over that he found contentment in Evangelical Christianity and working with kids. This isn’t quite the polished piece of work that Kriegel’s book is, but it offers an evenhanded treatment of all aspects of Maravich’s life. --Wes Lukowsky

Product Description
The youngest person to be voted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, "Pistol" Pete Maravich is recognized by the NBA as one of the all-time top 50 basketball players. More than 30 years after he left Louisiana State University, his NCAA scoring record still stands. He enjoyed fame, wealth, and short of winning an NBA championship, achieved every possible success. But there was a price. Pete brought a childlike exuberance to the court that often masked a tortured and confused adult. Things changed dramatically and permanently, however, when Pete found Christ. At last he experienced peace and a purpose that extended beyond the basketball court. He became an avid student of the Bible and a tireless evangelist. Tragically, at age 40, Pete Maravich died. This is the first authorized biography.

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Focus (August 20, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1589975359
• ISBN-13: 978-1589975354
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #383,650 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best Biography of Pistol Pete Maravich, September 9, 2008

By	Mr. Basketball "Morris Johnson" (New York, NY USA 10019) - See all my reviews

OK, I read the hard-cover version of this book (Maravich) a couple years back and found it - far and away - the most comprehensive and informative book ever written on the Pistol (and I've read them all).

This is basically the paperback version of that book but with an added forward by James Dobson. Yes, THAT James Dobson. He was with Pete the day he died. (Focus on the Family published this version - which doesn't bother me but I won't be lending it to my sister.)

What sets Pete Maravich: The Authorized Biography of Pistol Pete apart is the astonishing detail of every aspect of Pete's life (Pennsylvania, the Carolinas, LSU, the NBA, Christianity, and his legacy). For example - there's an entire chapter on Pete's year at prep-school (Southwood College) and another on his failed attempt to make the 1968 Olympic basketball team.

It was written with the full co-operation of the Maravich family and it shows. The private letters from Pete to his wife and boys are beautiful and heart-breaking.

My only complaint is that Ronnie Maravich is referred to as Pete's "step" brother when, in fact, he was Pete's "half" brother.

This is the book (along with the CBS documentary) that future historians will resource when chronicling his life. ESPN called it "The definitive biography of Pistol Pete Maravich." The NY Times called it the "essential biography of Pete Maravich."

It's that and so much more.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Maravich - The Best In-Depth Story Yet!, October 2, 2008

By	J. Rutter "Avid Fan" (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

After reading this book I was surprised to learn about many details I did not previously know about Pistol in both the early years as well as the later years. I did not know the depth of his convictions once he found the meaning in his life and his true calling. I really felt like I was able to truly understand Pistols struggles and ultimate triumphs. A very truthful yet uplifting and hopeful account of a great athlete and a great man.

5 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars "maravich", clangs off the rim., September 10, 2008

By	Pistol Pete Fanatic (New Orleans, LA,) - See all my reviews

Having known the Maravich family all of my life;from my perspective so much is missing. Glossing over Press and Helen, doesn't make sense. Helen was a wonderful and kind person. Both she and Press were raised through difficult circumstances. I guess that wasn't important to Pete's biography. I've read the other books, and I didn't care for this one at all. I wish the authors could have understood Basketball, then maybe they could have got to understanding Pete. When Jackie was interviewed on ESPN, she said she was always asked, "What's it like to be married to Pistol Pete?" And she said, " I don't know I married Pete Maravich. I wish that could have come through in this book. Pete was mortal and Jackie knew it too well.