From Better World Books: West, Reno, NV, U.S.A. Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
AbeBooks Seller since March 14, 2016
Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 6330522-75
At the turn of the 20th century, hundreds of handsome, lightning-fast racers won the hearts and minds of a bicycling-crazed public. Scientists studied them, newspapers glorified them, and millions of dollars in purse money was awarded to them. Major Taylor aimed to be the fastest of them all. A prominent black man at a time when such a thing was deemed scandalous, his mounting victories, high moral virtue, and bulletlike riding style made him a target for ridicule from the press and sabotage by the white riders who shared the track with him.
Taylor’s most formidable and ruthless opponent—a man nicknamed the “Human Engine”—was Floyd McFarland. One man was white, one black; one from a storied Virginia family, the other descended from Kentucky slaves; one celebrated as a hero, one trying to secure his spot in a sport he dominated. The only thing they had in common was the desire to be named the fastest man alive. Their rivalry riveted first America, and then the world. Finally, in 1904, both men headed to Australia for a much-anticipated title match to decide, beyond dispute, who would claim the coveted title.
Major is the gripping story of a superstar nobody saw coming—a classic underdog, aided by an unlikely crew: a disgraced fight promoter, a broken ex-racer, and a poor upstate girl from New York who wanted to be a queen. It is also the account of a fierce rivalry that would become an archetypal tale of white versus black in the 20th century. Most of all, it is the tale of our nation’s first black sports celebrity—a man who transcended the handicaps of race at the turn of the century to reach the stratosphere of fame.
About the Author: TODD BALF, a former senior editor for Outside magazine, has profiled the iconic personalities in pro bicycle racing for numerous national magazines, including Men’s Journal, ESPN The Magazine, and Bicycling. He is the author of The Last River and The Darkest Jungle. He lives in Beverly, Massachusetts, with his wife and two children.
Title: Major : A Black Athlete, a White Era, and ...
Publisher: Crown Publishing Group, The
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: Hardcover
Condition: Good
Edition: 1st Edition.
Seller: Better World Books, Mishawaka, IN, U.S.A.
Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages. Seller Inventory # 3172940-6
Quantity: 2 available
Seller: Foxtrot Books, Yankton, SD, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. 1st Edition. Good Condition hard cover 305 pages 1st edition. Seller Inventory # 037019
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Dorothy Meyer - Bookseller, Batavia, IL, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: fine. Dust Jacket Condition: near fine. First edition, complete line of . NOT an ex library book. 306 pages including the index. Dust jacket has no chips or tears, price is not clipped. Seller Inventory # 338311
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Third Person Books, Elk Grove Village, IL, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Very Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. First Edition. Signed by Author. Very good first edition first printing in very good price unclipped dust jacket ($24.00). Binding is solid. Jacket is nice with some shelfwear. Will ship (and look great) in an archival quality clear Brodart cover. We use quality packaging materials. Signed by Author. Seller Inventory # N9M
Quantity: 1 available