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Title: Major Taylor: The Extraordinary Career of a Champion Bicycle Racer by Andrew Ritchie ISBN: 0-8018-5303-6 Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press Pub. Date: 01 March, 1996 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $20.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 5 (3 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Important History - Not Just About Bicycling
Comment: This book was originally published by Bicycle Books in San Francisco. I would hope that it would still be available, even though 5 years ago hardback copies were selling at chain bookstores for as little as $4 a copy. The Ritchie book is written not just from the perspective of bicycling history (although it is well-researched from that point of view), but as an important social history. In addition, it reminds us of the history of the development of transportation and how bicycles were eventually pushed out of the public vision of having right-of-way to being relegated to the closed track of the velodrome so they wouldn't get in the way of the growing automobile culture. Major Taylor's career is important in the history of racism and attempted and often effective exclusion of Blacks not just from racing opportunities, but from the subsequent business opportunities that followed on the heels of the age of the turn-of-the-century racers. The largest reason that Major Taylor died a pauper was because he was not allowed to participate on an equal level with White businessmen in the developing automobile industry, according to Ritchie's research. Turn of the century bicycle racers, as Ritchie points out, were instrumental in contributing to the design of the shock system and the use of pneumatic tires, among other features, of the emerging American automobile. They also were some of the large investors in the industry upon their retirement from active racing status. Taylor wanted to participate in the design process and applied to a university for formal education in engineering, but was denied access, despite his hard-won efforts, previous inventions in bicycle design and testing, and celebrity status. The fact that the man died early of a stroke and alienated from his family and community in the end can only speak of a man who, after putting out his entire life, had finally been broken by the pressure of living in a racist society. Yet, writing his autobiography and selling it door to door evokes the phoenix-like quality of many members of the Black community who survive and thrive in spite of great hardship, even in our present times.
Rating: 5
Summary: Well written, very well documented important historical work
Comment: This is a very enjoyable book. Very well researched and documented (almost to a fault). Anyone who is serious about the history of bicycle racing in the USA must add this book to their library. After reading this book one must wonder how great Major Taylor would have been if the playing field was equal. Highly Recommended!!
Rating: 5
Summary: Major Taylor, worlds greatest cyclist of incredible morals
Comment: I found this story of a black man in this early 1900 era extremely fascinating. His beliefs in fair play, extrodinary dedication to his faith and his hobby made him a role model for any and all to follow. his persistance in perfecting his beloved sport despite all of the negativity of this era, to me was unbelieveable.
I read few books cover to cover but I have had the pleasure of reading this one 4 times. Ritchie has this book so well documented that anyone reading it would have no problem of becoming totally engrossed in it. A well done from me.
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Title: Iron Riders: Story of the Buffalo Soldier Bicycle Corps by George Niels Sorensen ISBN: 1575100746 Publisher: Pictorial Histories Publishing Co. Inc. Pub. Date: 01 June, 2000 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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Title: Major Taylor, Champion Cyclist by Lesa Cline-Ransome, James Ransome ISBN: 0689831595 Publisher: Atheneum Books Pub. Date: 01 January, 2004 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: No Brakes! Bicycle Track Racing in the United States by Sandra W. Sutherland ISBN: 0964524309 Publisher: Iris Publications Pub. Date: 01 January, 1996 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
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Title: Around the World on a Bicycle (Classics of American Sport) by Thomas Stevens, Thomas Pauly ISBN: 0811726533 Publisher: Stackpole Books Pub. Date: 01 January, 2001 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
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Title: Bobke II by Bob Roll ISBN: 193138228X Publisher: VeloPress Pub. Date: 01 October, 2003 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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