Love them or hate them; what the New England Patriots have been able to do over the past fifteen years is nothing short of remarkable. In addition to their four Super Bowl championships; the Patriots have the best coach in the league; a smart and savvy front office; and a future Hall of Fame quarterback who is internationally recognized as the face of the NFL. The longer the Patriots continue to dominate on the field as well as in the media and the American pop culture landscape; the harder it becomes for anyone to remember them as something other than a model franchise and the ultimate paradigm of success and accomplishment.Anyone; that is; except for Jerry Thornton. It wasn’t always sunshine and roses for the Patriots; in fact; for the bulk of their existence; it was exactly the opposite. Though difficult to fathom now; the New England Patriots of old weren’t just bad—they were laughably bad. Not so long ago; the Pats were the laughingstock of not only the NFL but also the entire sporting world.From Darkness to Dynasty tells the unlikely history of the New England Patriots as it has never been told before. From their humble beginnings as a team bought with rainy-day money by a man who had no idea what he was doing to the fateful season that saw them win their first Super Bowl; Jerry Thornton shares the wild; humiliating; unbelievable; and wonderful stories that comprised the first forty years of what would ultimately become the most dominant franchise in NFL history.Witty; hilarious; and brutally honest; From Darkness to Dynasty returns to the thrilling; perilous days of yesteryear—a welcome corrective for those who hate the Patriots and a useful reminder for those who love them that all glory is fleeting.
#781701 in Books 2013-04-19 2013-05-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 1.10 x 6.20l; 1.50 #File Name: 1611211298432 pages
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Make Extra Room on Your Shelf for "Extra Billy"By Phillip GreenwaltNever heard of "Extra Billy" Smith? Well; pick up this book and let Scott Mingus enlighten you. Smith was a polarizing figure in Southern politics and took his assertive; charismatic (if you were pro-Southern); and fearless personality into any of his career adventures.The majority of the book is centered on Smith's service in the American Civil War; including both his military service as a regiment than brigade commander. In his last campaign; the Gettysburg Campaign; he once again showed his polarizing capability. On July 1st he thought he saw approaching Union troops on the flank of the Confederate army. Instead they turned out to be fence posts in the receding daylight. Was he to blame? Or was this just an honest mistake? I could answer; but Mingus will do a better job.Mingus packs this book with primary sources; which allows Smith; his family; and other notables from the era to advance the narrative. What is even more effective is that Mingus unfolds Smith's story while remaining mostly impartial. In fact one of the more humorous accounts comes from a fellow congressman of Smith's in the U.S. House of Representatives;"If I should make a book; and put into it all that John Quincy Adams ever did; all that Daniel Webster ever knew; and all that Extra Billy don't know; what a book it would be!"Similar quotations add to the history and gives the reader insight into who exactly "Extra Billy" was. Such a polarizing figure; pick up the book today; and add your judgment of this interesting Virginian.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. "Extra Billy" is a great biography!By Steve L.I have read many ACW biographies and "Extra Billy" is great. I became interested in finding a bio on Gen. Smith since my ancestor served in the 31st VA Infantry under him at Gettysburg. I could tell immediately that Mr. Mingus did a lot of research before he wrote this biography. Mr. Mingus does not fall into the trap where many biographers find themselves...he does not treat his subject with kid gloves. He is not overly-critical of Smith either. He is very fair in his assessment of Gen. Smith's career and life. I really enjoyed reading this biography and I look forward to reading other works by Mr. Mingus.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Neglected and FascinatingBy W. Stephen ColemanScott L. Mingus Sr. has filled in the gaps in our knowledge of one of the most fascinating; but long neglected; Confederate generals; William "Extra Billy" Smith. As usual; Mingus' scholarship is impeccable; the writing smooth and eminently readable; and the information about this colorful character thoroughly engrossing. What a terrific addition to my Civil War library!
