COME ON SEABISCUIT

The author of Riders of the Pony Express (1958, p. 756, J-242) stays neck and neck with his subject -- Hard Tack's bad-tempered colt-- from 1933 to 1940, giving a well-observed report on the horse's idiosyncrasies and merits, his ceaseless struggles and winning runs. The chronological account of Sea Biscuit seems to have been finely researched, the author relies heavily on newspaper accounts of the various races, and avoids invented conversations or sentimental scenes. The involvement of the spirited horse's trainer, owner, and jockeys forms an exciting part of the story, but the focus is always on the comical ham who captivated track crowds from New York to California. Fast-paced story for leisurely reading.