Major Taylor, Champion Cyclist

How little Marshall Taylor -- through dedication, undeniable talent, and daring speed -- transformed himself into the extraordinary Major Taylor is chronicled in this inspiring biography. Here is the story of a kid who turned pro at the age of eighteen, went on to win the world championship title just three years later, and battled racism and the odds to become a true American hero.

Born in 1878, Marshall Walter Taylor (later to earn himself the nickname of "Major") led a surprisingly good life for a black man in the late nineteenth century. Belonging to a household that educated him and gave him his own bicycle, he quickly learned to do a variety of tricks on it. When the chance to race came along, Taylor quickly started earning himself a variety of accolades. Just as important as the races he won, however, were the ways in which he dealt with the open racism and poor treatment of other cyclists. Taylor was patient and a winner. His mantra, "I simply ride away".

The book itself has a couple flaws here and there that I found it hard to get around. The story of Taylor's life really take a wonderful turn when he joins up with the racer Louis "Birdie" Munger. Yet no picture of Birdie, important as he is, ever pops up. Also, the book culminates with a huge race between Major Taylor and the already established French champion. But try as I might to find out what the name (and significance) of this race was, I came up short. The race, oddly enough, is never named. In the end, the appeal of the book may or may not be all that great on the part of kids. Some may be interested in a bicycling champion that began by doing bike stunts. Some may not. The book is followed by a quick note at the end of what the rest of Taylor's life led to. It is not a particularly happy ending (he separated with his family, died a pauper's death, and was buried in an unnamed grave until exhumed and placed in a better spot). Just the same, it reflects on what Taylor meant to the rest of the world and what he stood for. Though this is not the most thrilling book in the world, it's a useful one and serves its purpose as well as it can.


A TALENTED COMPETITOR   February 15, 2004
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

Lance Armstrong dominates today's Grand Prix cycle races, but Marshall Taylor dominated the late 1800's. This beautifully illustrated book shares the life of this extraordinary African-American athlete fondly acknowledged as "Major." He became a World Champion in 1899 because of his proficiency with a bike. His competitive spirit and courage paved the way for those other fearless African-American Athletes, Jack Johnson, Jesse Owens, Josh Gibson, Satchel Paige and Jackie Robinson who would follow and excel, in their time, in other sports. This is an excellent read. Highly recommended.