The Snowgoose

by
Paul Gallico

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The Snowgoose

by Paul Gallico

4.06 of 5 stars 4.06 · rating details · 1,084 ratings · 143 reviews

A stunning new edition of a beloved children’s classic.

On the desolate Essex marshes, a young girl, Fritha, comes to seek help from Philip Rhayader, a recluse who lives in an abandoned lighthouse. She carries in her arms a wounded snow goose that has been storm-tossed across the Atlantic from Canada. Fritha is frightened of Rhayader, but he is gentler than his appearance s

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Audio Cassette, 0 pages

Published May 1985 by DH Audio (first published 1941)

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Mar 18, 2009 Meredith rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I recited a chapter of this in 8th grade drama class- the part I read was a monologue belonging to a private in the British infantry, written phonetically in a thick cockney accent. I bombed the reading, but I adore this book. It is a beautiful story and there is no shame in crying a bit toward the end.

Along with Old Yeller, Call of the Wild, White Fang, Charlotte's Web, the Snow Goose, Gentle Ben, and Thomasina, all part of my adolescent animal-based literary fantasy world.

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Aug 01, 2007 Kay rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: childrens-ya, world_war_ii, fiction

Lyrical and touching tale set in WWII, with the climax taking place during Dunkirk. While there's a danger here of crossing over into sentimentality, for me this lovely tale transformed what could have been pat sentiments into something very heartfelt and noble. It's the kind of tale children will remember and adults will cherish. Really a tribute to the human spirit and the bonds that hold us together.

The fact that this was published in April 1941, at a time of massive German air raids on Lond...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Jeannette rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: novella, picture-book-adult, ww2, 2011-read

Wonderful.

This is the kind of book I have a hard time writing a review for. It's such a beautiful story, full of a myriad of feelings. The illustrations are lovely, too.

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Nov 02, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The modern classic by Paul Gallico, is a hauntingly beautiful tragic short story about a man who lives in solitude in a lighthouse because he is unwanted in the nearby village. It is because of his obvious grotesque features and hunched back which makes him antithetical to the neighbouring community. But beyond his looks there is compassion for all of nature, including humans. Frith, a youthful, beautiful girl, looks beyond his appearance and sees, a deep kindness in his heart, which is hard for...more The modern classic by Paul Gallico, is a hauntingly beautiful tragic short story about a man who lives in solitude in a lighthouse because he is unwanted in the nearby village. It is because of his obvious grotesque features and hunched back which makes him antithetical to the neighbouring community. But beyond his looks there is compassion for all of nature, including humans. Frith, a youthful, beautiful girl, looks beyond his appearance and sees, a deep kindness in his heart, which is hard for his neighbours to recognize because of his freakish looks.

The story is set during World War 2, so for those who are questioning, “What happened in WW2?” The Germans invaded France and Britain was fearful of being invaded. Troops were sent out to go assist the French, but this failed miserably leading to a great many soldiers trapped on he beaches. So civilians had to sail boats to the beaches and save them.

The passion that presents itself throughout the book is so strong and that is what makes the characters so lovable and beautiful. Their passion of wild birds and all of nature is so rare to find in humanity presently, and to feel what these unique, solemn individuals feel is incredible.
Angela Barrett does lovely illustrations for the 2009 edition of the book which is very different from the Peter Scott illustrations from the first edition of the book. Barrett chose a dull range of colours but it creates a beautiful state of mind.

Apparently, this wonderful book is not being published in Australia any more, so for those living in Europe, you are blessed to get your hands on this book at your local library or bookstore. (I had to search for this online, and found it on Ebay) If you do have a bit of change left over in your pocket, you should go out and purchase this short story. (Be warned there are some other books that are meant for educational purposes, so try purchase the one like the picture.)

The story makes the reader cry, with sadness and a poignant feeling for the grotesque looking lonely man, Rhyader. The story sends shivers down your spine at the admirable pureness of the naive misanthropists. (less)

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Jun 03, 2012 Sean O'Hara rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: kidlit, war

I've heard good things about this story over the years, but I've always been put off by the fact that it's written by the author of The Poseidon Adventure. Now that I've finally read it I find that, far from being the populist trash I feared, it's far, far worse. It's ableist trash. Here's the first description we get of the protagonist:

He lived and worked there alone the year round. He was a painter of birds and of nature, who, for reasons, had withdrawn from all human society. Some of the reas

...more I've heard good things about this story over the years, but I've always been put off by the fact that it's written by the author of The Poseidon Adventure. Now that I've finally read it I find that, far from being the populist trash I feared, it's far, far worse. It's ableist trash. Here's the first description we get of the protagonist:

He lived and worked there alone the year round. He was a painter of birds and of nature, who, for reasons, had withdrawn from all human society. Some of the reasons were apparent on his fortnightly visits to the little village of Chelmbury for supplies,
where the natives looked askance at his mis-shapen body and dark visage. For he was a hunchback and his left arm was crippled, thin and bent at the wrist, like the claw of a bird.

They soon became used to his queer figure, small but powerful, the massive, dark, bearded head set just slightly below the mysterious mound on his back, the glowing eyes and the clawed hand, and marked him off as ‘that queer painter chap that lives down to lighthouse.’

Yes, the character is sympathetic, but the narrator paints him as being sympathetic in spite of his handicaps -- "Physical deformity often breeds hatred of humanity in men. Rhayader did not hate; he loved very greatly, man, the animal kingdom, and all nature" -- not because he's a sympathetic person who just happens to have a hunchback and deformed arm. The worst of it comes when Rhayader decides to use his sailboat to assist the evacuation at Dunkirk. Before going off he says, "For once - for once I can be a man and play my part." How nice. It's not just that society has refused to view him as a man before -- no, no, even he thinks this is the only way he can become a man.

And of course the whole story is building up to (view spoiler) About the only redeeming thing about this book is that Jenny Agutter is on the cover.(less)

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Aug 28, 2011 Sandie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009-books, feel-good-reads, young-adult

Paul Gallico is not a novelist. His talent lies in his ability to tell beautiful and inspiring short stories that are a joy to read. The Snow Goose is one of my favorites and I have read and re-read it many times over my lifetime, each time gaining new insight into the author and his characters. At the risk of being accused of blasphemy, it is my opinion that The Snow Goose could have appeared as one of the parables told in the New Testament. It is a short story, a mere 6O or so pages, and tells...more Paul Gallico is not a novelist. His talent lies in his ability to tell beautiful and inspiring short stories that are a joy to read. The Snow Goose is one of my favorites and I have read and re-read it many times over my lifetime, each time gaining new insight into the author and his characters. At the risk of being accused of blasphemy, it is my opinion that The Snow Goose could have appeared as one of the parables told in the New Testament. It is a short story, a mere 6O or so pages, and tells the story of a physically deformed artist in his late 20's named Rhayader who has retreated from the world and taken up residence in an abandoned lighthouse near a marsh where he attempts to capture the beauty of his surroundings on canvas as well as provide sanctuary to the birds who seek shelter there over the winter months.

One day, a girl of about 12 named Frith, comes to him with an injured snow goose. Although frightened by his outward appearance, she overcomes her trepidation because she has heard of his desire to help the creatures of the marsh. Together they nurse the injured goose until it is able to fly north in spring. The following year the goose returns as does the young Frith. Over several years this cycle continues and the annual return of the bird acts as a catalyst in the developing relationship between the artist and the young woman. We see a lonely young man whose repugnant physical countenance has alienated him from society as he is slowly transformed by the restorative power of friendship and love. Over the years the birds' visits extend for longer periods and by the spring of 1940 it becomes apparent that the bird will remain at the lighthouse. World War II comes to the quiet marsh in a most unusual way and the story takes a different tack.

Although this book may be perceived as "chic-lit" it poses questions about the human spirit and the need for companionship that can be educational to all ages and both sexes. This small little book packs a great big wallop to the readers psyche and I heartily recommend it.
(less)

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May 23, 2011 Iskreads rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 8th-roberts

i would rate The Snow Goose 3 stars because it is very moving story and it makes you think about the people around you when you have finished the book. i don't think it was written absolutely fabulously but it was written well enough to leave you feeling something apart from boredom. The author also uses many descriptive writing styles so he creates lovely images in your mind, also at the beginning of each chapter there is a small black and white drawing which i think makes the book that much be...more i would rate The Snow Goose 3 stars because it is very moving story and it makes you think about the people around you when you have finished the book. i don't think it was written absolutely fabulously but it was written well enough to leave you feeling something apart from boredom. The author also uses many descriptive writing styles so he creates lovely images in your mind, also at the beginning of each chapter there is a small black and white drawing which i think makes the book that much better.

The Snow Goose is a book about a man living in a lighthouse all alone. he lives a very dull and boring life until one day, when a little girl brings him an injured snow goose because he keeps birds and cures sick animals. throughout the summer the girl comes to visit the goose and her and the man in the lighthouse become very close. when it comes to winter and the snow goose leaves the girl also stops visiting the man. so once again he is alone in the lighthouse. next summer a the man sees a white shape in the sky he soon realizes that it is the goose he and the girl save. the girl once agin comes and visits the man and the goose. this cycle continues for a couple years, over these years the girl turns into a woman. World war 2 begins and some men have been trapped on an island. so the man sets out in his little boat with the goose flying about him to rescue the men. the girl finds out he has gone so becomes stressed and goes up to the lighthouse to care for the birds while he has gone.
In the end the man rescues the men off the island. But he was never see again, some say they saw a white bird flying back to the girl at the lighthouse. she still lives there looking after the birds.

i think all people who are interested in birds should read this book because there are several sections of the book when the man is describing the book to the girl. people who like books that contain mysteries might also enjoy the book.

i think altogether this is a very beautiful story about relationships and concern and making deep connections with someone or something. (less)

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Dec 05, 2010 Melee rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I read this book for school and had to write a few paragraphs on it (or something like that). Those aforementioned paragraphs have been sitting on my computer for the past two years and if my memory serves me correctly no one ever actually read them. (I was going to give them to my teacher {AKA mother} but for some reason never got around to it.) I thought I'd post them on here so they didn't go to waste completely. ;)

The message of The Snow Goose is clearly, never fall in love with brave cripp...more

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Oct 05, 2010 Bayandur rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: contemporary-prose, animals, novel, young-adult-and-children-s

"The Snow Goose" by Paul Gallico is one of my favorites. It is about life, its hardnesses and wonders, pain and joy coming by its natural route, and war - merciless and unnatural, cruel and indifferent as it is.
This book is really to hard to write about. Very personal to me - the emotional plane is really deep and the characters are well-developed.
The book is about an artist, living in a solitary lighthouse - Philip Rhayader, a local girl - Fritha, their friendship symbolized by the wounded bird...more

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Jul 19, 2010 Julie Bennett rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: third-and-last-set

I must admit that I picked this book because it was only 48 pages. But as I opened it and started reading, the descriptions, illustrations, and story itself completely sucked me in. Who said a short book has to be an empty story? This one was rich and definitely not a childrens' book even though it was short enough to be! It's about a man (Phillip) who lives alone in his lighthouse because of his physical deformities, where he paints amazing paintings and has a way with animals. A young girl (Fr...more

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Jun 22, 2010 Cat Conner rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult-literature-2

"The Snow Goose" is a lovely coming of age tale about an emotionally weary social outcast and the young girl that changes his life. The outcast, Philip, comes to a seaside down in England when he is twenty-seven, only to be scorned by the townsfolk because he has a disfigured appearance. However, Philip remains in the town and takes solace in caring for animals, particularly birds. One day, a young Scandinavian girl come to Philip's door with a hurt Canadian goose. Although the girl, Fritha, has...more "The Snow Goose" is a lovely coming of age tale about an emotionally weary social outcast and the young girl that changes his life. The outcast, Philip, comes to a seaside down in England when he is twenty-seven, only to be scorned by the townsfolk because he has a disfigured appearance. However, Philip remains in the town and takes solace in caring for animals, particularly birds. One day, a young Scandinavian girl come to Philip's door with a hurt Canadian goose. Although the girl, Fritha, has heard stories about Philip's hideousness, her concern for the hurt animal drives Fritha to Philip's expertise. Philip explains to Fritha that the goose is an anomaly because England isn't his natural habitat. Together, Philip and Fritha nurse the goose back to health and to Fritha's dismay, the goose flies away for the winter. To Philip's dismay, Fritha does not visit him when after the goose leaves.

To Philip's delight, the goose comes back the next spring and so does Fritha. Philip is happy to have company and Fritha comes back every spring to see the goose. With time, Fritha turns into a young woman and she starts to have conflicting feelings about Philip. During their time together, Fritha can no longer see Philip as the town outcast. Thus, when Philip goes to help in the WWII effort, Fritha doesn't know quite how to feel.

Paul Gallico's novella is short, charming, and simple. I was confused at first as to why it was classified as young adult fiction, but the story really is about Fritha's developing feelings for Philip and how she grows out of childhood innocence and fear. I appreciated the sentiments and friendship that blossom between Fritha and Philip. Gallico does not put much detail into his characters, but the reader can identify with them nonetheless because the issues with which they deal are applicable to young adults. We all have experienced loneliness and confusion.

"The Snow Goose" has a tender and surprising ending. I felt like Gallico sums up the moral well and leaves the reader thinking about what he or she would have happen in the end. This enchanting tale can be understood by members of all age groups. (less)

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Feb 10, 2010 Sandy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: ww2, england

I came across an early hard cover copy of this book at an estate sale last weekend and realized I had to have it.... It was always one of my mother's favorite stories and one I have been familiar with since I was a small child. It is a poignant and gentle story of a deformed man who lives by himself in the marshes. His only companions are the migrating birds he cares for, and nurtures if they are hurt. His is an oddity to all the villagers and no one but one little girl dares to seek him out whe...more

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Mar 25, 2011 Zee rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: booksread2011, childrens

Paul Gallico is a man who understood the art of story-telling not from a modern authorly angle, but rather from it's more ancient verbal roots. The two simple tales of 'The Snow Goose' and 'The Small Miracle' are beautifully-crafted literary gems, with the former being about a hunchbacked artist, his relationship with a wounded goose and his act of bravery at Dunkirk and the latter a 'contemporary fable' inspired by St. Francis of Assisi about an orphaned boy and his donkey.

In both stories, Gall...more Paul Gallico is a man who understood the art of story-telling not from a modern authorly angle, but rather from it's more ancient verbal roots. The two simple tales of 'The Snow Goose' and 'The Small Miracle' are beautifully-crafted literary gems, with the former being about a hunchbacked artist, his relationship with a wounded goose and his act of bravery at Dunkirk and the latter a 'contemporary fable' inspired by St. Francis of Assisi about an orphaned boy and his donkey.

In both stories, Gallico's writing is so simple and poetic that it demands to be read aloud. There are many scenic passages that I delighted in as he brought out the colours of the settings. In 'The Snow Goose', the cold, bleak marshy landscape of the Essex coast was brought to life using language reminiscent of watercolour paintings.

"Tidal creeks and estuaries and the crooked, meandering arms of many little rivers whose mouths lap at the edge of the ocean cut through the sodden land that seems to rise and fall and breathe with the recurrence of the dailt tides."

In 'The Small Miracle' the rustic ochres and olive greens of Italy give the story a Quixotic flavour as the young protagonist finds himself on the path to Rome which will evetually lead to the Pope, all for the sake of his beloved little donkey.

"Approaching Assisi via the chalky, dusty road that twists its way up Monte Subaiso, now revealing, now concealing the exquisite little town, as it winds its way through loive and cypress groves, you eventually reach a division where your choice lies between an upper and a lower route."

I find that good and bad writing can be divided by this simple method of 'sounding out' a narrative. When you think about it, almost all stories these days are put together in silence. While the plot may be a good one, it is often the author's 'inner ear' that may let him/her down when it comes to setting a rhythm to the work as a whole. The strong flow of the narrative, it's sure-footed approach to the story and its clear visuals make this an ideal bedtime book for children. The fact that it also highlights the magical bond between humans and animals makes it a very pleasant alternative to some of the other stuff that is currently out there. Before picking this up, I didn't realise how much I'd missed seeing animals in stories. A lovely read, highly recommended. (less)

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Oct 07, 2012 Pam rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks

It's good to read things written in a different time and culture than one's own for two reasons: it gives a wider and deeper view of the world, and it helps shed a new light on the language and culture that's familiar.

When I read - actually, listened to - The Snow Goose, I was struck by the use of language that would generally be considered politically incorrect or simply offensive in my white western ableist world. However, in accepting the story as told in context, I am convinced that this lan...more

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May 18, 2011 Debra rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Physically deformed, Philip Rhayader, lives in an abandoned lighthouse surrounded by marshes. He spends his days painting and caring for the many birds who’ve adopted the area as a sanctuary. It’s a lonely life, but when a girl named Frith arrives carrying a wounded snow goose, Philip takes the bird in, and a friendship with Frith slowly develops. World War II is underway, however, so when Philip hears about the stranded soldiers at Dunkirk he sets out to help rescue them in his little boat.

I re...more

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Apr 19, 2008 bjneary rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: all ages picture book

Shelves: picture-book

A modern classic that tells the story of a grotesque looking man, Philip, who isolates himself from human contact at a lighthouse on the English coast. One day, a young girl, Frith, arrives with a wounded snow goose. Philip nurses the goose back to health and the threesome forge a bond with annual visits to the lighthouse. War intrudes and their peace is forever altered. Illustrations by Angela Barrett are perfect in depicting isolation and beauty.

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Jan 10, 2009 Penny rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My copy was published in March of 1965. It has no ISBN so I could not find it. This is a story of bravery and sacrifice. The scene is set in Essex, England. The Snow Goose convoys a small boat through the smoke of Dunkirk to help in the rescue of the stranded British fighting men. But there is much more to this story. The book only has 58 pages. Find it, read it, you'll be glad you did.

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Dec 31, 2007 Pete Bailey rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: most people

It's a short book and a quick read largely based on a true story. Not to give it away, but there's a guy, a girl, a bird (the snow goose) and the noble effort by average Englishmen to help in the evacuation at Dunkirk in 1940. A very moving read. BTW if you're interested, the British progressive group Camel recorded an album "Music Inspired by THE SNOW GOOSE" in 1974 and it is quite good.

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May 25, 2010 Bettie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Radio 4 listeners

Shelves: spring-2010, wwii, kiddlewinks, published-1941, play-dramatisation

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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Dec 21, 2012 Blake rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

What an amazing story. I would love to give it five stars and, on a future reading, I might. I read it to my lower elementary students and I'm not sure that it was a good fit for them. The language of the book was a bit advanced, with lots of description language that the students couldn't have really followed. However, I was surprised that at least some of them tracked the general idea of the story, especially my third grader who is a big military history buff, and they understood that the book...more

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Aug 13, 2008 Darleen rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: all-time-favorites, fiction, spirituality

One of my all-time favorite books, I first read this in elementary school and reread it every two years. This is a short story about unexpected love--wild love--of an alienated, tender soul, Philip, a Canadian Snow Goose and a young Saxon girl.

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Sep 17, 2010 Suna rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: many-splendoured-thing, children-s, young-adult

You read this unsuspectingly just before going out. You will absolutely be sobbing by the end. Hard.
Hence you will look like something that has been dragged through an infinite morass of tears, the futility of war, human cruelty, love and romantic heartbreak.
Your friends will wonder what the hell happened.
Especially since it's your birthday.
And you saved this book, as it was an early gift, especially to read over breakfast on your birthday morning.
And now you are a snivelling mess.

Beautiful. Bea...more

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May 09, 2009 The other John rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-fiction, schoolbook

I'm not sure what to call this--a 20th century fable? It's a short tale of Philip Rhayader, a kind and artistic soul with a deformed body. In his twenties, he moves to the English seacoast to live in seclusion, away from the repulsive looks and attitudes of "normal" people. He spends his time painting, sailing his boat and caring for the birds that take up residence in his property. He finds peace in this lifestyle, but one day a young girl from the nearby village brings a injured snow goose to...more

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May 07, 2013 Joselito Honestly and Brilliantly rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A man so repulsive that he had to seek solitude, yet so beautiful that a bird from a faraway place and a young girl found themselves inexplicably drawn to him.

I would have loved to quote here some memorable Little Prince-like passages but a prohibition runs in the opposite page of the inside title. So this is the one I shall quote:

"Copyright 1940 by The Curtis Publishing Company. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publis...more

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Jan 23, 2012 zespri rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classic, world-war-2

This little classic has always been on my to read list.

Short and sparse, it is a beautiful story, and would be enjoyed by young and old alike. It reminded me of listening to stories being read to me, and the pure enjoyment of the imagination filling in the setting and the detail.

An old recluse is befriended by a young girl who sees in him the ability to nurse to health a Canadian snow goose. As the bird heals, the relationship between the two grows, and their shared love of the bird and the natu...more

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Jun 24, 2008 Greg rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction-and-humor

A moving story of a damaged man and a snow goose, and their heroic rescue efforts at Dunkirk. Simple, short, but inspiring.

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Jul 11, 2009 Bob rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a "book" only in the binder's sense, but even more moving a second time than I'd remembered. I began worried about my daughter and finished realizing that life doesn't have to be full, lovely, or even meaningful, s long as it's deeply experienced.
You wonder what the inspiration for the story was; why for years it was sold as a Christmas gift. A very real strength is the dialog, which provides a sense of immediacy.
"'im at the tiller just looks up at the goose, wiv the rope in 'is teeth...more

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May 03, 2012 Tessa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: school-books

I am a very shallow reader when it comes to love stories ending happily - I want the happy ending and I do NOT appreciate tragedy. I admit it freely. Still I couldn't help but give five stars to this touching, lyrical prose by Gallico. I was completely transported to that marsh bound lighthouse; I was the snow goose; I was Rhayader as he went off to the rescue; I was Frith, taking away my portrait. My very practical daughter was annoyed at the ending, where I was devastated, but we both loved th...more

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Nov 06, 2011 Jim rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is more of a short story than a novel, really. It is a sweet story of an old, disfigured man and his love of beauty and all things wild, set on the English coast.

He meets a girl who knows of his love of wild animals, and brings him an injured snow goose.

Written in 1941, the story finds the old man going to participate in the evacuation from Dunkirk. He doesn't come back, but the girl and the goose are left.

The book is now in its 21st printing. Apparently, it is well loved. It is a very s...more

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Jul 25, 2008 Amanda rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

So poignant and encompasses the emotions surrounding Dunkirk in only a few moments

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About Paul Gallico

Paul William Gallico was born in New York City, on 26th July, 1897. His father was an Italian, and his mother came from Austria; they emigrated to New York in 1895.

He went to school in the public schools of New York, and in 1916 went to Columbia University. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having lost a year and a half due to World War I. He then worked for the National Boar...more Paul William Gallico was born in New York City, on 26th July, 1897. His father was an Italian, and his mother came from Austria; they emigrated to New York in 1895.

He went to school in the public schools of New York, and in 1916 went to Columbia University. He graduated in 1921 with a Bachelor of Science degree, having lost a year and a half due to World War I. He then worked for the National Board of Motion Picture Review, and after six months took a job as the motion picture critic for the New York Daily News. He was removed from this job as his "reviews were too Smart Alecky" (according to Confessions of a Story Teller), and took refuge in the sports department.

During his stint there, he was sent to cover the training camp of Jack Dempsey, and decided to ask Dempsey if he could spar with him, to get an idea of what it was like to be hit by the world heavyweight champion. The results were spectacular; Gallico was knocked out within two minutes. But he had his story, and from there his sports-writing career never looked back.

He became Sports Editor of the Daily News in 1923, and was given a daily sports column. He also invented and organised the Golden Gloves amateur boxing competition. During this part of his life, he was one of the most well-known sporting writers in America, and a minor celebrity. But he had always wanted to be a fiction writer, and was writing short stories and sports articles for magazines like Vanity Fair and the Saturday Evening Post. In 1936, he sold a short story to the movies for $5000, which gave him a stake. So he retired from sports writing, and went to live in Europe, to devote himself to writing. His first major book was Farewell to Sport, which as the title indicates, was his farewell to sports writing.

Though his name was well-known in the United States, he was an unknown in the rest of the world. In 1941, the Snow Goose changed all that, and he became, if not a best-selling author by today's standards, a writer who was always in demand. Apart from a short spell as a war correspondent between 1943 and 1946, he was a full-time freelance writer for the rest of his life. He has lived all over the place, including England, Mexico, Lichtenstein and Monaco, and he lived in Antibes for the last years of his life.

He was a first-class fencer, and a keen deep-sea fisherman. He was married four times, and had several children.

He died in Antibes on 15th July, 1976, just short of his 79th birthday.

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