Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story
Bertrand Hébert, Pat Laprade, George Toombs (Translation) Paul Vachon (Foreword) Kathie Vachon (Afterword)
ECW Press, 2017
Paperback, Ebook
Maurice "Mad Dog" Vachon is one of the very rare individuals in pro wrestling history that has transcended time. While many younger wrestling fans have never seen one of Mad Dog's matches or promos, his remains a name that is universally synonymous with the pro wrestling industry. Be it his in-ring style, prominence during the territory days, over the top character, appearances outside of the wrestling industry, Olympic profile, membership in one of the industry's most famed families or the media blitz surrounding a tragic auto accident, Mad Dog Vachon is firmly cemented in the minds of generations of wrestling fans as one of the true legends of the industry. Bertrand Hébert (Accepted) and Pat Laprade (Sisterhood of the Squared Circle) previously collaborated on the 2013 Wrestling Observer Book of the Year: Mad Dogs, Midgets and Screw Jobs. This English version of Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story was translated from the 2015 French Edition by George Toombs and features a foreword by, brother, Paul "Butcher" Vachon and, widow, Kathie Vachon.
Hébert and Laprade do a great job chronicling the life (or lives) of Vachon as both a performer and a character. The book reads almost like a dual biography of Maurice Vachon & Mad Dog Vachon that masterfully shows the similarities and differences between the man and the gimmick. There is also strong undercurrent of evolution, growth and adaptation of both "versions of Vachon" that strengthens the biographical narrative. Vachon's story, as presented by Hébert and Laprade, is a tremendously effective example of the nomadic nature of wrestlers who worked during the old territorial system. The authors do a very good job emphasizing, without overstating, Vachon's iconic role in the industry's history and the near-Godlike status he attained - and still maintains with many fans - within his home province of Québec. They also do not understate the near universal acclaim Vachon has as both a performer and mentor within the professional wrestling industry. The authors do a tremendous job capturing their subject and have written a biography that exemplifies the life and career of Maurice Vachon.
There are instances where the authors might have chosen to delve further into certain elements of Vachon's life. These are very few and far between, however, there are times where the book might have benefited by a more detailed examination or introspection - by Vachon or those close to him - into aspects of Mad Dog's personal or professional life. For the most part the translation is great, however, there are some instances of oversimplified phrasing and/or awkward syntax.
Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story is, like Vachon himself, is impossible to dislike. Hébert and Laprade have once again given readers an extremely informative and entertaining read. Their commitment to and passion for pro wrestling history - especially as it pertains to Québec - is apparent and infectious. Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story is highly recommended to all readers interested in wrestling history and/or biographies of Canadian sports figures and/or prominent Canadians.
Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story is available in Paperback and Ebook formats.
Hébert and Laprade do a great job chronicling the life (or lives) of Vachon as both a performer and a character. The book reads almost like a dual biography of Maurice Vachon & Mad Dog Vachon that masterfully shows the similarities and differences between the man and the gimmick. There is also strong undercurrent of evolution, growth and adaptation of both "versions of Vachon" that strengthens the biographical narrative. Vachon's story, as presented by Hébert and Laprade, is a tremendously effective example of the nomadic nature of wrestlers who worked during the old territorial system. The authors do a very good job emphasizing, without overstating, Vachon's iconic role in the industry's history and the near-Godlike status he attained - and still maintains with many fans - within his home province of Québec. They also do not understate the near universal acclaim Vachon has as both a performer and mentor within the professional wrestling industry. The authors do a tremendous job capturing their subject and have written a biography that exemplifies the life and career of Maurice Vachon.
There are instances where the authors might have chosen to delve further into certain elements of Vachon's life. These are very few and far between, however, there are times where the book might have benefited by a more detailed examination or introspection - by Vachon or those close to him - into aspects of Mad Dog's personal or professional life. For the most part the translation is great, however, there are some instances of oversimplified phrasing and/or awkward syntax.
Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story is, like Vachon himself, is impossible to dislike. Hébert and Laprade have once again given readers an extremely informative and entertaining read. Their commitment to and passion for pro wrestling history - especially as it pertains to Québec - is apparent and infectious. Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story is highly recommended to all readers interested in wrestling history and/or biographies of Canadian sports figures and/or prominent Canadians.
Mad Dog: The Maurice Vachon Story is available in Paperback and Ebook formats.
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