JACKIE ROBINSON

by Bill Roder ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 25, 1950

One of two books initiating this publisher's Most Valuable Player Series, the story of Jackie Robinson is tops for sparkling biography, intelligent reporting and objective insight beyond the call of the ordinary fan candid. Obviously the writer's concerned here not only with a sports record of a popular athlete but with a personality caught up in the center of a socialogical experiment from which he emerged with dignity. Introducing a Negro into the major leagues where for so long he had been tacitly barred through ignorance and prejudice of fans and clubs alike was no easy task, and it was only through the energetic pioneer work of Branch Rickey, president of the Brooklyn club, that the experiment, with Robinson as the guinea pig, materialized. The machinations to bring about psychological, and diplomatic preparation for the event are recounted -- shockingly intricate and exhaustive with the courageous response of Robinson. The biographical material is lightly sketched Robinson's early life in Califonia, sports and study at UCLA, the service, short periods with the Monarchs, a Negro team in Kansas City, and the inevitable and shameful (to most Americans) episodes with Jim Crow. This is also a striking portrait of a courageous, strong American. Robinson's famous reply to Robeson before the Un-American Affairs Committee is included in its entirety. Should have special market here beyond sports sales and could double nicely for young people.

Pub Date: April 25, 1950

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: A. S. Barnes

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1950

Categories: NONFICTION