In the early 1960s, after serving in the U.S. Army, playing semi-pro hockey, and selling insurance, Robert “Evel” Knievel began jumping motorcycles in a one-man-band daredevil revue. Seeking fame and fortune as much as thrills, Evel’s ambition led to bigger shows and broader notoriety as he toured the country breaking records and bones in equal measure. In 1967 he became a household name when his attempt to jump the Caesar’s Palace casino fountains in Las Vegas failed in spectacular fashion on live television. Undeterred and exhibiting a reckless resilience, Knievel’s fame grew with every stunt, successful or not, as he transfixed an icon-hungry public like a Cold War–era combination of Houdini, John Wayne, and Elvis. Family, as well as a motley assortment of friends, foes, and famous fans, recount Knievel’s story with a gusto befitting the subject, which is also illustrated by a trove of archival televised Americana. From motorcycles to rockets, from hustler to Johnny Carson’s couch, the real triumph of Evel spanned more than 14 Greyhound buses.  TM