
George Gordienko
Canadian Wrestler, Artist and Renaissance Man
Steven Verrier(Author)
McFarland & Co Inc (Publisher)
Published on 28. April 2022
Book
Paperback/Softback
252 pages
978-1-4766-8769-8 (ISBN)
Description
George Gordienko (1928-2002) may be the greatest wrestler you've never heard of. From humble, Ukrainian/Cossack immigrant roots in the Canadian Prairies, he endured a tough childhood during the Great Depression to emerge as a leading "shooter" and one-of-a-kind artist on the mat. Excluded from wrestling in the United States during the McCarthy era because of his association with the Communist Party as a young man, he was deprived of a run with the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, for which he was hand-picked by the great Lou Thesz. After retirement, Gordienko transitioned to a different sort of canvas and became a successful painter. This first full-length biography traces his remarkable career.
Reviews / Votes
"George Gordienko may never be truly celebrated for his achievements as his life and career fail to fit into a single box that so often defines one's greatness. Yes, he was a phenomenal wrestler, but also an accomplished artist, world traveler and a gentleman. At so many points in this book, you feel like George had reached the pinnacle-arrived at success to which so many aspire-only to be surprised with the next pursuit and complete mastery that resulted in further successes. There is no single honor high enough to acknowledge the lifetime contribution of George to sports, arts and culture."-Vance Nevada, author, Wrestling in the Canadian West "George Gordienko's name is spoken in awed whispers among veteran professional wrestlers and those familiar with the history of 'shooting,' or the competitive side of the professional art. Until now, however, most of his life was a mystery. Finally, Steve Verrier lifts the veil on Gordienko in a way that deftly illuminates both the man and the world he lived in."-C. Nathan Hatton, PhD, author, Thrashing Seasons: Sporting Culture in Manitoba and the Genesis of Prairie Wrestling "I always knew there was more to the [Gordienko] story, more to explore; I wanted to do a proper biography on him .... Fortunately, Steve Verrier has capably taken up that task."-Greg Oliver, Producer, Slam Wrestling, and coauthor of The Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame series. "Verrier expertly weaves these unique stories into the narrative, providing an excellent entryway for casual fans to dive deeper into the world of international wrestling...A nuanced, balanced, and thoroughly-researched picture of a complicated man...An essential read for anyone who loves Canadian, British, or European wrestling history."-Slam WrestlingMore details
Language
English
Place of publication
Jefferson, NC
United States
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Interest Age: From 18 years
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
65 photos, (11 in color), bibliography, index
Dimensions
Height: 254 mm
Width: 178 mm
Thickness: 13 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4766-8769-8 (9781476687698)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Steven Verrier has previously written works of short drama, fiction, and nonfiction published in the United States, Canada, and Japan. He lives in Bonney Lake, Washington.
Content
Table of Contents
Foreword by Bret Hart
Foreword: A Memory by Greg Oliver
Preface
Introduction
1.?The World into Which He Came
2.?The View from Winnipeg
3.?Coming Into His Own
4.?The Norseman Plunger
5.?World Class Amateur
6.?An Auspicious Start
7.?Earning a Buick in San Francisco
8.?Looking Like He Couldn't Miss
9.?Hiatus
10.?Back in the Saddle
11.?Trip Around the World
12.?Alberta Gold
13.?If Thesz Had His Way...
14.?Gordienko-Nelson: Returning the Favor
15.?1957-1958: Here and There
16.?Back on the Treadmill
17.?A Few Memorable Meetings
18.?Back to Europe
19.?Life at 4 Conyers Road
Between pages 110 and 111 are 8 color plates containing 11 photographs
20.?Hottest Wrestler on the Continent
21.?Friends Get Together in New Zealand
22.?Autumn in Japan
23.?Closing Out a Remarkable Decade
24.?Adventure with Adnan
25.?The Marchesa
26.?More Tours and Travels
27.?From One Butcher to Another
28.?Flash Gordon
29.?Crossing the Border
30.?Looking Like the End
31.?A Little More in the Tank
32.?Father-Son Reunion-Part One
33.?Dutiful Son Returns
34.?--Father-Son Reunion-Part Two
35.?Tranquility and Tension
36.?Decision to Downsize
37.?Black Creek
38.?Adding to His Legacy
39.?Summing Up an Amazing Life
40.?End of the Journey
41.?Fulfilling George's Wishes
42.?Looking Up the Marchesa
43.?Filling In Blanks at the CAC
44.?A Few More Honors
45.?Final Thoughts
Bibliography
Index
Foreword by Bret Hart
Foreword: A Memory by Greg Oliver
Preface
Introduction
1.?The World into Which He Came
2.?The View from Winnipeg
3.?Coming Into His Own
4.?The Norseman Plunger
5.?World Class Amateur
6.?An Auspicious Start
7.?Earning a Buick in San Francisco
8.?Looking Like He Couldn't Miss
9.?Hiatus
10.?Back in the Saddle
11.?Trip Around the World
12.?Alberta Gold
13.?If Thesz Had His Way...
14.?Gordienko-Nelson: Returning the Favor
15.?1957-1958: Here and There
16.?Back on the Treadmill
17.?A Few Memorable Meetings
18.?Back to Europe
19.?Life at 4 Conyers Road
Between pages 110 and 111 are 8 color plates containing 11 photographs
20.?Hottest Wrestler on the Continent
21.?Friends Get Together in New Zealand
22.?Autumn in Japan
23.?Closing Out a Remarkable Decade
24.?Adventure with Adnan
25.?The Marchesa
26.?More Tours and Travels
27.?From One Butcher to Another
28.?Flash Gordon
29.?Crossing the Border
30.?Looking Like the End
31.?A Little More in the Tank
32.?Father-Son Reunion-Part One
33.?Dutiful Son Returns
34.?--Father-Son Reunion-Part Two
35.?Tranquility and Tension
36.?Decision to Downsize
37.?Black Creek
38.?Adding to His Legacy
39.?Summing Up an Amazing Life
40.?End of the Journey
41.?Fulfilling George's Wishes
42.?Looking Up the Marchesa
43.?Filling In Blanks at the CAC
44.?A Few More Honors
45.?Final Thoughts
Bibliography
Index