John McCain: An American Odyssey

by Robert Timberg

This reissue of the penetrating biography of Senator John McCain, the man who may be the next president of the United States, by celebrated author Robert Timberg now has a new foreword that updates readers on the politician's life since this book's original publication in 1999. In John An American Odyssey, Timberg provides a riveting account of McCain's remarkable life -- from his rambunctious childhood and his madcap escapades as a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman to his grim experiences as a combat pilot and POW in Vietnam, where the North Vietnamese held him prisoner for five and a half years. Most important, the author illuminates Senator McCain's postwar evolution into one of our country's most distinguished politicians and a formidable presidential candidate. This biography probes deeply into the life of this hugely colorful, straight-talking American original. It is a rich and captivating portrait of one of America's most fascinating and provocative public figures -- a man who has captured the imagination of millions of Americans and who will continue to be a most prominent figure in the American political landscape.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Politics

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

John McCain is a man of great courage. He has overcome many adversities. Barak will not find this an easy campaign.

[Tony Taylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

In 1998, at the dedication of the National Prisoner of War Museum in Anderson, Georgia, former Attorney General Griffin Bell, a Democrat, introduced Senator John McCain, the featured speaker and a Republican, with these words: "We often hear people now say, where are our heroes, where have all our heroes gone? Well, Senator cCain is an authentic, living American hero.". "So begins Robert Timberg's biography of Senator John McCain, the man who may someday be President of the United States. In John McCain: An American Odyssey, Timberg provides an account of McCain's remarkable life - from his rambunctious childhood and his madcap escapades as a U.S. Naval Academy midshipman to his grim experiences as a combat pilot and POW prisoner in Vietnam, where he was held prisoner by the North Vietnamese for five and a half years. Most importantly, the author illuminates Senator McCain's postwar evolution into one of our country's most distinguished political leaders and a formidable presidential candidate.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about a complex man - Annapolis grad, war hero, US Senator. Excerpted from The Nightingale’s Song, which tells the story of McCain and other Annapolis grads. McCain appears to be an independent thinker - bucking the status quo on Lebanon and Kosovo - but what will he do in Iraq. That's the big question.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting account of John McCain's life (thus far). You can definitely tell that the author admires McCain.

[Cody Toohey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. His life is fascinating. I truely respect this man.

[Jeff Cunningham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story and thrilling biography

The story of John McCain's odyssey from Annapolis to the 2000 presidential campaign. For McCainiacs it is pure gold and highly recommended.

[Tom Nolan]

paperback 6x9

[Lou Fillari · Rating 4 out of 5]

John McCain and me just mesh well together. He was quite the character, so the many many anecdotes go, and I'm proud to call him my not-grandfather.