The accidental fame and lack of fortune of West Tennessee's David Crickett
(Book)

Includes bibliographical references (pages 299-308) and index.

"I stood no chance to become great in any other way than by accident."--David Crockett. Experience the thrilling journey of West Tennessee's David Crockett as he rises from frontier to fame to international icon. Using his wits, sense of humor, and common sense, Crockett rose from the West Tennessee frontier during the divisive Jacksonian Era to become the first American celebrity. Early newspaper editors found that his exploits---frequently exaggerated---delighted the public, while the first biography about his life, printed while he was still living, became an instant bestseller. Talented men and women who were creating the American arts from scratch found in Crockett a muse who reflected how many in the country wanted to see themselves. They put him in books, plays, songs, and poems; then Americans made him a superhero. Author R. Scott Williams uncovers what fueled this meteoric rise while examining the birth of Tennessee and the creation of American popular culture during one of the most fascinating periods in history.---back cover of book