Path Lit by Lightning: The Life of Jim Thorpe
by David Maraniss
Related videos
62:52
Thorpe’s granddaughter plus author presentation with Q&A
3K
50
Dec, 2022
Spoiler:
In this hour-long presentation for the American Archives Museum, Jim Thorpe’s granddaughter reminisces about her grandfather’s courage. Then author David Maraniss, as prelude to a book signing, gives an in-depth discourse on Thorpe’s life. Maraniss also offers an overview on government treatment of Native Americans given that Thorpe was born the same year as the Dawes Act, which in 1887 stripped Native Americans of their tribal lands and formed the reservation system.
5:11
Live author interview plus b&w photos and vintage film clips
895
19
Sep, 2022
Spoiler:
In a live interview on WGN’s Morning News, author David Maraniss shares vintage black and white photos and video clips of Jim Thorpe. The interview highlights some of the differences between the athletes of Thorpe’s time (his highest pay level was $300 per professional football game, for example) and the present. The interview also touches on treatment of Native Americans in the U.S., both in general and in Hollywood, where Thorpe campaigned for the hiring of Native Americans to play Native American roles (rather than using white actors in heavy makeup).
1:37
Author pairs quick overview of Thorpe’s life with vintage b&w photos
305
6
Jul, 2022
Spoiler:
Referring to Thorpe as possibly being the greatest athlete in America’s history, the author hits the high and low points of Thorpe’s life in this brief video. He notes that since Thorpe was also Native American, his experience speaks not only to the history of American sports but to the history of its indigenous people. Vintage black and white photos of Thorpe performing in decathlon, baseball and football, plus appearing in traditional Native American dress, accompany the author’s discourse.
Follow the author
Other books by David Maraniss
Publications
The New York Times: The Greatest Athlete of All Time? Jim Thorpe
The Wall Street Journal: ‘Path Lit by Lightning’ Review: Man, Myth and Marvel
The Washington Post: The incredible feats and lonely life of sports legend Jim Thorpe
Los Angeles Times: Review: A legendary Native athlete is restored to glory by the Olympics and a rich new biography
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