Book Review: "The Boy Giant" by Dan Brannan

I'm hell-bent on becoming an expert on the life of Robert Wadlow, the tallest man in medical history. Several months ago, I wrote THIS bio on Wadlow. I have since done research on other giants, both past and present. You can't call yourself an expert on Wadlow, however, without reading Dan Brannan's excellent book on Alton, IL's claim to fame. This informative tome covers Wadlow's entire life and the attention that he receives still today.

If you are not in the know, Robert Pershing Wadlow stood at a staggering 8'11" at the time of his death. It is unlikely that the height records he shattered will ever be challenged due to advanced medicine that can stunt rapid growth. In the case of most giants, an overactive pituitary gland can be faulted for their immense size. Only a person from a third-world country would stand a chance of topping 9 feet. If Wadlow had lived to see 30 years of age, he may have approached 10 feet.

"The Boy Giant" is written in warm deference to Robert Wadlow. Brannan interviewed every living soul who knew Robert personally. The bulk of anecdotes in the book come courtesy of Harold Jr., Wadlow's baby brother. Robert loved his baby brother very much, and the two siblings shared a special relationship. Harold Jr. has glowing memories of his famous brother in spite of the fact that he was only 10 years old when Robert died.

Brannan writes in a clear voice that decorously illustrates the world that he lived in. I could envision Robert walking down the street with a throng of awe-stricken pedestrians following him to church or the drug store. In an age before circulated media, Robert was an amazing sight to behold. I learned many things about him from "The Boy Giant." I didn't know that he was a Civil War buff. I also didn't realize how intelligent he was. He was an incredibly bright young man who carried himself with a humble intellect.

My sole complaint has nothing to do with Brannan's words. Obviously, the book contains fabulous pictures of Robert Wadlow, but they are given their own section in the middle of the book. It would have made more sense to intersperse the photographs throughout the book. A biography on the world's tallest man begs for ample visuals. While the pictures are stunning, there aren't enough of them. Brannan states that there are close to 100 pictures of Robert in existence. So why are there less than 10 featured in "The Boy Giant"?

Don't mistake my imputation for an overall sense of disenchantment. "The Boy Giant" is a great buy for those interested in record holders or real-life giants. I hope that Robert's story will one day translate to the silver screen.