BLACK CHAMPION

by Finis Farr ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

Jack Johnson may well have been the greatest fighter who ever lived, but a vely assortment of factors--social, sociological and psychological--make this impossible to prove. The author may not have answered all the questions that inflame he disputatious concerning his merits as a boxer, his morals and his manners, but his well-written and obviously thoroughly-researched book throws a great deal of ight on a giant among 20th century athletes. Farr is sympathetic to Johnson as a ring artist who was discriminated against because he was a Negro. On the other hand he recognizes that Johnson alienated public opinion by constantly consorting with--and marrying--white women and by showboating with great flamboyance on several continents. Of particular interest is his flat and convincing statement that Johnson was thrashed by Willard and that the former's claim of ""fix"" showed his willingness to be considered crooked rather than inferior. The appeal here should be more than ringside since Jack Johnson was obviously a fighter in more than one area; still it's primarily a man's book.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Scribners

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1964

Categories: NONFICTION