The Legendary Jackrabbit Johannsen - Softcover

Johannsen, Alice E.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0773511512 ISBN 13: 9780773511514

Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press, 1993

Synopsis

Jackrabbit's life spanned more than eleven decades. Born in Norway in 1875, he spent his early years there before going to university in Berlin. As a young engineer he emigrated to the United States. After living and working in New York, in 1928 he moved to Canada with his wife and children and made his home in Montreal. Despite the financial problems which he encountered throughout his life, his good humour and determination never failed nor did his devotion to the outdoors and the development of skiing. Jackrabbit became a symbol for wilderness adventure and the excitement of cross-country skiing and, through his energy and enthusiasm, managed to impart his ideals to countless others. Alice Johannsen vividly describes the way her father lived and thought, and explains the personal philosophy that shaped his activities and achievements. This enjoyable biography will appeal to a wide range of general readers and offers a rich source for studies in sport, sociology, Canadian history, and Scandinavian studies.

About this title

From the Back Cover:

This is the story of the remarkable Norwegian-Canadian Herman Smith "Jackrabbit" Johannsen who pioneered cross-country skiing in North America. A warm and personal biography written by his daughter Alice, it adds objectivity and clarity to the Jackrabbit legend. Jackrabbit's life spanned more than eleven decades. Born in Norway in 1875, he spent his early years there before going to university in Berlin. As a young engineer he emigrated to the United States. After living and working in New York, in 1928 he moved to Canada with his wife and children and made his home in Montreal. Despite the financial problems which he encountered throughout his life, his good humour and determination never failed - nor did his devotion to the outdoors and the development of skiing. Jackrabbit became a symbol for wilderness adventure and the excitement of cross-country skiing and, through his energy and enthusiasm, imparted his ideals to countless others. Alice Johannsen vividly describes the way her father lived and thought, and explains the personal philosophy that shaped his activities and achievements. This enjoyable biography will appeal to a wide range of outdoors and sports enthusiasts.

Review:

"An exceptional and interesting personal insight into the man who was indeed a `skier extraordinaire' ... A compassionate and vivid account of Herman Smith Johannsen as a husband, father, friend, and remarkable Norwegian-Canadian ... It is through the many personal and private glimpses that we are able to learn about, and better understand, the Jackrabbit. His personality, beliefs, values, motives, and feelings are evident in the manner in which the author tells her story ... The entire book reflects a true look at the Norwegian-Canadian cultural experience that is part of the Canadian identity. We owe our Canadian ski tradition to the Norwegian ethnic influence, and this book reinforces that concept and strengthens that belief." Rolf Lund, School of Physical and Health Education, Queen's University.

About this edition

• Publisher: McGill-Queen's University Press
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0773511512
• ISBN 13: 9780773511514
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 312