The Early Years of 'Squirt' Malone
John 'Squirt' Malone's life seemed like it was destined to be one of hard work, long days, and little reward. In the early nineteen hundreds there were not that many options for a lightly educated son of a cattle rancher. But, when carnival comes to town John is introduced to the sideshow of professional grappling. Enthralled with the physicality and entertainment of the spectacle he sends off for correspondence course on how to become a professional wrestler. Three years later John is running away from home at twelve years old trying to live his dream in the questionable world of professional wrestling.
Inspired by and very lightly based on the history of the Goldust trio. The Early Years of 'Squirt' Malone is a historical fiction novel that presents the professional wrestling industry from the carnival days to the rise of the first wrestling promotion.
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274 Pages Paperback
Historical Fiction
Based on the in ring events of the Gold Dust Trio
Inspiration for The Early Years of 'Squirt' Malone
Joseph Mondt, Ed Lewis, and Billy Sandow created the first wrestling promotion in America, the Gold Dust Trio
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Frank Gotch and Georg Hackenschmidt wrestled the largest gate in the history of single match wrestling cards
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Cora Livingston, first Women's World Champion of professional wrestling
Joseph 'Toots' Mondt
Ed "The Strangler" Lewis
Frank Gotch
Georg Hackenschmidt
Cora Livingston
Billy Sandow
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The Life of wrestlers
After the turn of the century professional wrestling already showed the tale tell signs of their outcomes being predetermined. But the struggling type of theater would never have survived in such hard times. This is the story of those wrestlers who built an industry by creating drama and spectacle.
Straight from the mouth of the readers
“A poignant story that will tug at your heartstrings and will remain etched in your memory long after you turn the final page.”
“From the very first lines Richard W. Kelly transports us back in time”
“It felt as though someone was sitting next to me and telling me the story as I read this book.”
“The characters are lovable and believable. The storyline is riveting.”
“This author writes a riveting tale of a boy’s decision to leave home, join the circus and pursue a managing career in wrestling shows.”
“I have no interest in wrestling, but this story made me want to!”
“This was a great book”
“The author really draws you in and you become a part of the story.”
“The author can create characters that the reader cares about.”
“Thanks to the author for writing this wonderful story.”
“Even though I am not a wrestling fan I loved the story”
“I genuinely became interesting in wrestling through reading this book”
“There is action, drama, and romance”
“Despite my initial disinterest in wrestling, I was completely engrossed”
“I really enjoyed this book.”
“Definitely recommend”
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