Details

Subject(s)

• Boxers (Sports)—United States—Biography [Browse]
• Jewish boxers—United States—Biography [Browse]
• Racism in sports—History—20th century [Browse]
• Baer, Max 1909-1959 [Browse]
• Ross, Barney [Browse]

Library of Congress genre(s)

• Biographies [Browse]

Getty AAT genre

• collective biographies [Browse]

Summary note

"In the 1920s and 30s, anti-Semitism was rife in the United States and Europe. Jews needed symbols of strength and demonstrations of courage against their enemies, and they found both in two champions of boxing: Max Baer and Barney Ross. Baer was the only Jewish heavyweight champion in the twentieth century, while Ross was considered one of the greatest welterweight and lightweight champions of the era. Although their careers never crossed paths, their boxing triumphs played a common role in lifting the spirits of persecuted Jews. In Max Baer and Barney Ross: Jewish Heroes of Boxing, Jeffrey Sussman chronicles the lives of two men whose successful bouts inside the ring served as inspiration for Jewish fans across the country and around the world. Though they came from very different backgrounds--Baer grew up on his family's ranch in California, while Ross roamed the tough streets of Chicago and was a runner for Al Capone--both would bask in the limelight as boxing champions. Their stories include legendary encounters with such opponents as Jimmy McLarnin (known as the Jew Killer), Max Schmeling (Hitler's favorite athlete), and Primo Carnera (a sad giant controlled and mistreated by gangsters). While recounting the exploits of these two men, the author also paints an evocative picture of boxing and the crucial role it played in an era of anti-Semitism."-- Jacket.

Bibliographic references

Includes bibliographical references (pages 175-183) and index.

Contents

• The prototypes : Benny Leornard and Abe Attell
• The Great Depression, boxing, and Mike Jacobs
• Tough kid
• Fists of fury
• Hero and drug addict
• From ranch hand to powerful right hand
• Jew versus Nazi
• The man in the movies
• After the last bell.

Show 6 more Contents items

ISBN

• 9781442269323 ((hardback ; : alk. paper))
• 1442269324 ((hardback ; : alk. paper))

LCCN

2016017216

OCLC

967540468

Other standard number

• 40026692484

Statement on language in description

Princeton University Library aims to describe library materials in a manner that is respectful to the individuals and communities who create, use, and are represented in the collections we manage. Read more...