Major Taylor: The Inspiring Story of a Black Cyclist and the Men Who Helped Him Achieve Worldwide Fame

by Conrad Kerber, Terry Kerber, Greg LeMond (Foreword)

In the wake of the Tour de France’s fallen heroes, the story of one of history’s most legendary cyclists provides a much-needed antidote. In 1907 the world’s most popular athlete was not Cy Young or Ty Cobb. Rather, he was a black bicycle racer named “Major” Taylor.In his day, Taylor became a spiritual and athletic idol. He was the fastest man in America and a champion who prevailed over unspeakable cruelty. The men who aided him were among the most colorful to emerge from the era. When hotel and restaurant operators denied Taylor food and lodgings, forcing him to sleep in horse stables and to race hungry, there was a benevolent racer-turned-trainer named Birdie Munger, who took Taylor under his wing and into his home. Then along came Arthur Zimmerman, an internationally famous bike racer, who gently mentored Taylor when some riders drew the color line and refused to race against him. Taylor’s manager, pugnacious Irishman and famed Broadway producer William Brady, stood up for him when track owners tried barring him from competition. From the Old World came a rakishly handsome, mustachioed sports promoter named Victor Breyer, who lured Taylor overseas for a dramatic, Seabiscuit versus War Admiral–like match race that would be widely remembered a quarter century later.With a foreword by World Champion and three-time Tour de France winner Greg LeMond, this spellbinding saga of fortitude, grace, forgiveness, and a man’s unyielding will to win against the greatest of odds is sure to become a classic that will be enjoyed by everyone.Skyhorse Publishing, as well as our Sports Publishing imprint, is proud to publish a broad range of books for readers interested in sports-books about baseball, pro football, college football, pro and college basketball, hockey, or soccer, we have a book about your sport or your team.In addition to books on popular team sports, we also publish books for a wide variety of athletes and sports enthusiasts, including books on running, cycling, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, martial arts, golf, camping, hiking, aviation, boating, and so much more. While not every title we publish becomes a New York Times bestseller or a national bestseller, we are committed to publishing books on subjects that are sometimes overlooked by other publishers and to authors whose work might not otherwise find a home.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Sports

448 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 29, 2014

Reviews

[Michael]

I'm a bicycle junkie. I knew little about this person and his contributions to cycling. How did this man's story go untold for so long? A forgotten legend. You bet he is. How is it that we know all about Jesse Owens, and Jackie Robinson and yet never heard of Major Taylor who was bigger in his time then either Jesse and Jackie were in there time. From 1890-1910 cycling was the most popular sport in the country more so even than baseball and boxing. It was helped along by a African American, Major Taylor. Conrad Kerber has given the reader a spectacular recounting of a black cyclist who was the most famous athlete in the world at this time. He set major cyclist records and he dominated the field of bicycle racing, holding both American and World titles in the latter years of the 19th and early 20th centuries. He also had to endure racism and bigotry just because he was black. This did not stop him as he patiently tolerated the hate directed at him stayed committed to his drive of becoming a champion. Conrad Kerber has given us a gem of book that you will find hard to put down.

[Susan Fetterer]

Major Taylor is an exceptionally well-researched, documented, footnoted and indexed biography of a brilliantly gifted athlete who defined and dominated the field of bicycle racing, holding both American and world titles in the waning years of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Marshall 'Major' Taylor's dream of racing became reality in 1895 as the new sport overtook baseball, horse racing, tennis, and yachting in popularity. Taylor quite likely became the first athlete paid to endorse products. Taylor's fans included Ernest Hemingway, Bing Crosby, Cary Grant, Marlene Dietrich. Racing fan Toulouse-Lautrec was thought to have sketched portraits of one of Taylor's competitors. For this reader, the Taylor name moved from obscurity to fascination. A multi-faceted individual, ever the gentleman, ever the target of unmitigated racism, his name became synonymous internationally with the sport.
Authors (and brothers) Kerber and Kerber, much to my delight reacquainted me with some long-unused vocabulary: persiflage, antipodean, pyrrhic, apostasy. And then, palmares (bike lingo...look it up!). Then there was this humdinger: triskaidekaphobia.
I had not expected to breathlessly feel the racing pace over and over, or to be overwhelmed by the can't-put-it-down narrative style....this is an excellent read.

[Dominic Fanelli]

85,000 people at a track in Newark, NJ, France, and Australia. Why? To see the greatest athlete you have never heard of: Major Taylor, sprint champion of America and the world. After learning about this man’s life, I am incredibly surprised as to why his name isn’t recognized at the same level of a Jackie Robinson or Muhammad Ali. In the late 1800’s early 1900’s sprint track cycling was the biggest sport in the world. Velodrome oval tracks were packed with fans - entire states would converge on the town to watch these events. At the center of it all, the biggest draw that a promoter could add to the race ticket, was Major Taylor. He was so beloved in fact that he dictated his own terms when negotiating with promoters.

On a personal note, he’s from Indianapolis where I am from. In the days leading up to my birth my parents waited for me at the Major Taylor velodrome in Indy. I was destined to get into cycling. And funny enough, I started reading this book in the days leading up to my own son’s birth. I feel linked to him. I bought a road bike in 2020 and found freedom and an outlet, going on long rides. Eventually started joining group rides and finding riders I could learn a ton from, between the camaraderie, the actual hours of training and the endless information I can stay connected, be an endorphin fiend, and stay curious. It saddens me that although Major had many good relationships, I don’t think too many were on the track with other cyclists. Being such a good guy by all accounts, the only reason for this was the color of his skin, sad and a damn shame, lot of those cyclists at the time missed out on meeting one helluva guy.

His fame and dominance in the early 1900’s was unmatched in track cycling. He dominated with humility and grace. Learning about how he leaned on his faith through racism that was often violent and aimed at destroying him, it held a mirror up to me. I face nothing close to what he faced. Nothing. And still I struggle. The difference between his racing abroad and in America was clear. In the US, he couldn’t find a hotel to stay in when he traveled, or a restaurant to eat at. He wasn’t even allowed to race the entire circuit because the southern track owners wouldn’t let him race. On the track, cyclists would team up against him, box him in, try to dangerously run him off the track, and in several instances physically attack him (yet he still would win). Abroad, the red carpet was rolled out for him. He ate at the finest restaurants and the best hotels and got a fair race. One thing in common for both the US and abroad was that he was the biggest draw and absolutely beloved by racing fans.

Ultimately this book was a difficult read. I hated the final few chapters where you learn about his post racing life. The loss of his wealth and disintegration of his family and his passing away in Chicago and buried a pauper. What does that say about our country at the time that one of the greatest men and athletes of all time died penniless and in obscurity? I was at a loss after reading about his end, too much after I grew to love and respect this man in the pages of this book. I was cheering for him so hard. I hope and pray there’s the heaven he and I believe in, because he certainly deserves to be there.

[Dennis Winge]

The book entitled Major Taylor by Conrad and Terry Kerber is an incredible read. The Kerbers did a wonderful job crafting the book and meticulously researching Major Taylor’s life. Major Taylor was a phenomenon in the 1890s and became the first major black hero in America. His reputation soared internationally both in Europe and Australia. He was the dominant cyclist at a time when cycling was the predominant sport in America and Europee. Cycling races would draw 20,000+ fans to watch velodrome racing. Madison Square Garden hosted a grueling 6-day race of continuous riding with the winner decided by the number of miles cycled in 6 days on an indoor track. Major Taylor took only ~2 hours off each day to sleep and eat. There are so many amazing aspects of his story from his cycling prowess, his unmatched humility and his gift of forgiveness to hoards of white individuals who victimized him in ruthless racism. Major Taylor’s life was guided by his passion for cycling and his deep held Christian faith. It is no wonder so many people around the world respected him more for how he carried himself than his cycling power. This book is very captivating and a total joy to read. The only down side is that the book ends! What a wonderful read.

[Sean Halpin]

It is rare to encounter a biography that is this difficult to put down--especially of such an obscure figure from long ago. The authors eloquently tell of Marshall "Major" Taylor's experiences as a bicycle racer and the intertwined intensity of racism that he experienced throughout America and abroad. As the lone non-white bicyclist—he was continually berated on and off the track. Below and above the Mason-Dixon Line, Taylor was tormented by his competitors who deliberately sabotaged his racing by violently knocking the helmetless rider over and at times physically and verbally attacking him off the track. In a sport that relies so much on teamwork—Taylor was an enigma—able to will himself to win. His dedication to bicycle racing was only overshadowed by his faith. Taylor refused to race on Sunday’s, well knowing that this would not only deny him large sums of money but also denied him the possibility to win coveted championship’s due to the loss of accumulated points for those missed races. Read this book—you will not be disappointed.

[Zathomas1930]

As a black man living in America, growing up I didn't experience racism as much as my parents and ancestors. Matter of fact, I never knew some of the most famous black people in American history because they were not talked about in the classroom. Major Taylor was one of those black historical people that I never knew until about three years ago.

ESPN was consistently running a commercial on a "Major Taylor" during games. Immediately I looked him up and became intrigued. For the most part, kids in America ride bikes in their early childhood. But what's interesting about Taylor is the fact he was the best of the best at a sport we now take for granted during the Jim Crow Era. Cycling was huge at the onset of the 20th century! It fell right in between the peak of horseracing and the dawn of automobiles and the Industrial Revolution.

Major Taylor, a black man in America, sought more than what his parents could do or provide. He sought risk, adventure, and less work than living on a farm. He found it through cycling. Cycling took him everywhere, but he had help.

Birdie Munger, Arthur Zimmerman, William Brady, and Hugh McIntosh were white men who looked beyond Major's skin color to help him achieve unforseen heights in that day and time.

Major was the face of cycling. He was THE star! Fans loved and adored him. He showed respect, love, kindness, and humbleness towards fans, who loved him, as well as to rivals that hated him. He was a man of God that didn't allow money to rule his heart. The Bible was his prized possession that kept him afloat during those turbulent years enduring racism everywhere he went in America. The Bible helped him endure the pain he suffered on the bike track.

Major Taylor's life didn't end on a fairytale note, but he broke barriers and showed others how to "do unto others as you would want them to do unto you."

5/5 star book! Learn about a legend in bike racing. Learn about a black man in the Jim Crow Era rise to the top & reign despite bigotry. Learn about Major Taylor.

[Anthony Paolucci]

I've been riding for ten years, and I've read many books about cyclists throughout history. So I'm ashamed that I've never even so much as heard of this man. If I didn't read a small mention of him in the new Greg LeMond book, "The Comeback," I would still be oblivious. What baffles me more than anything, though, is that despite his many impressive accomplishments throughout his career, you never hear him spoken of in discussions about black athletes, or even notable people in black history, yet he was a star before Jackie Robinson, Joe Louis, or any of the more well-known legends. Some might argue that it's because cycling isn't as popular a sport as baseball and boxing eventually became. Yet, in 1901, cycling was the most popular sport in the country. Attendance records were some of the highest in history. When there was no one left to defeat in America, Major went to Europe and Australia and beat everyone over there. He had his own line of bikes, and merchandise with his likeness was everywhere. However, this isn't about the sport, but about the man. How does a professional athlete of his caliber accomplish so much during their career and go almost completely unnoticed? I'll never understand that, yet find it fascinating nevertheless.

This book brings you into the era as if you were physically there, and captures the excitement and drama of every race described beautifully. By the end, you feel as if Major Taylor is an old friend, whose life you watched play out on a giant movie screen. There are heroes and villains, all given ample room in the book that allows them to come to life. And this brings me to my final gripe - why the hell don't we have a movie about Major Taylor? We have a million Fast & Furious films, but not one about one of the most amazing athletes of all time!

[Susan Ferguson]

Major Taylor was a young black man who early developed an interest in bicycles when they were first introduced. He used to go to the bike shops and talk to the owners. One took an interest in him and was amazed at his ability to ride, doing tricks and such. He was hired to ride a bike in the street outside to attract the interest of the passersby - and brought in customers. The owner was a former bike racer and began training Major (a nickname he acquired from his trick riding) and was increasingly impressed by his speed. Fighting racism and threats and ill-treatment, Major struggled to gain points to reach his goal of being American champion. Major was a strong Christian who refused to race on Sundays and studied his Bible on the way to races. The stories of the prejudice and maltreatment by other racers and their trainers are terrible. He did achieve his goal eventually and was recruited to Europe to race and did well there. He also enjoyed the open admiration and lack of prejudice in Europe and later Australia. He set many speed records and several stood for many years. Some cyclists believed he was the best racer that has ever been.
An amazing story of perseverance and talent.

[Carlos Rivera]

A remarkable book, an inspiring story

Long before Jack Johnson, Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson and other race barrier busters there was a.gentle and brave cyclist who broke many records, while enduring harsh treatment all around. Major Taylor became an international sports superstar, whose history has been almost forgotten.

Read this book, it is.excellent and full of history. Perhaps it should be made into a movie. Major Taylor lives on through the myriad Major Taylor Cycling Clubs throughout the U.S.

[David Kinzer]

Once in a while you stumble across a (nonfiction) book about a subject or person you've never heard of, and it is not only interesting but the writing is good. Major Taylor was such a book for me. I didn't know that bicycles and bicycle racing were all the rage in 1900. Nor did I know that there was a transcendent black athlete who experienced both the highs of popular adulation and the lows of widespread racism. I highly recommend this book.

[John Lee]

Great book! Major Taylor was a phenomenal bicycle racer and an amazing man who faced bewildering (and unjust) situations yet handled them nobly time and time again. On top of that, the history in the book opened my eyes to the incredible impact the bicycle had on American society during the late 1800s and early 1900s. Very moving and inspiring.

[Anne Martin]

An important history of bicycling and racial injustice

This book is well written - you will be inspired and horrified by the life of Major Taylor. I had no idea that bike racing was THE most popularly sport at the turn of the century. This talented black cyclist was the Michael Jordan of his era.

[Clifton]

Triumph over terror on the track

The story of one of the most famous athletes in the biggest sport of it's time. Well researched and it includes a lot about the people who helped Major Taylor throughout his life on and off the track. I also enjoyed the photos at the end of the book. If you are a fan of Major Taylor or interested in his life you should enjoy this book

[George Arnold]

The Story Of An Unknown Hero

This book is a must read for anyone interested in our neglected American History. It is another example of an African American not given his proper place in history.

[Jim Wilkinson]

I listened to this on Audible. The story is excellent, but the narrator butchered pronunciations of almost everything from Massachusetts town names, to French terminology/landmarks, to cycling terminology. I was laughing out loud at some of the pronunciations as I listened.

[Harry]

Oh. My. God. Seriously. Oh. My. God.

This book is embarrassing the way it mixed fiction and fact. It's like it was written for Hollywood producers in the hope they'd make a film from it.

Taylor is a great story. This is not a great book.

[Ville]

Olipahan tarina joka heitti upeasti yli vuosisadan takaiseen aikaan. Vaikka harrastan pyöräilyä, en ollut ikinä kuullutkaan miehestä joka oli ehkäpä maailman ensimmäinen globaali superstara. Ja en tajunnutkaan miten hullun suosittua pyöräily aikoinaan oli.

[Christopher Marshall]

WOW! How is his story not more well known? He is Jackie Robinson 5 decades before Jackie Robinson. Great cycling read and history on racial divide.

[Gene]

Very well written, but upsetting because of the racism Taylor endured. Not surprising, but disappointing.

[Jen]

The history is really great and interesting but the book is sometimes long and repetitive.

[Carl]

Very thorough piece of work. The man, Major Taylor, was an exemplary cyclist and human being. The last years of his life, financially broke, was saddening and shocking. He deserved better.

[Steph]

Really wanted to read this, but was surprised by the length. Maybe I’ll revisit it someday, but I’m not enough of a bike enthusiast to have it completely capture me.

[Josh]

Beautifully and densely written, this book is about so much more than cycling. I knew little about Major Taylor before I started this book. I’m so glad I invested the time to read it.

[Matthew E Kiel]

Do yourself a favor and learn about one of THE GREATEST athletes of all time. Highly recommend even if you're not a fan of cycling.

[Scott Armstrong]

A bit of a history lesson. The popularity of bicycle racing in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s was mind boggling. Major Taylor was the Muhammad Ali of that era.

[Ryan Gjoraas]

Amazing story of an incredible athlete who endured so much undergoing adversity to become one of the first black cyclists of all time.