Beautiful Jim Key -- the one-time ugly duckling of a scrub colt who became one of the most beloved heroes of the turn of the century -- was adored not for his beauty and speed but rather for his remarkable abilities to read, write, spell, do mathematics, even debate politics. Trained with patience and kindness by one of the most renowned horse whisperers of his day -- former slave, Civil War veteran, and self-taught veterinarian Dr. William Key -- Jim performed in expositions across the country to wildly receptive crowds for nine glorious years, smashing box office records, clearing towering hurdles of skepticism and prejudice, and earning the respect and admiration of some of the most influential figures of the era, from Booker T. Washington to President William McKinley.
This is the remarkable true saga of a truly exceptional animal -- and the no less exceptional man who led him to greatness.
Mim Eichler Rivas has worked as an author, coauthor, and collaborator on more than eighteen books, including the New York Times bestsellers The Pursuit of Happyness with Chris Gardner and Finding Fish with Antwone Fisher. She is the coauthor of Start Where You Are with Chris Gardner and is the sole author of the highly acclaimed Beautiful Jim Key, now in the works as a major feature film. Eichler and her family live in Hermosa Beach, California.
