Marshall "Major" Taylor: World Champion Bicyclist, 1899-1901 (Trailblazer Biographies)

This Trailblazer Biographies entry profiles Marshall Taylor, an African American bicyclist who, despite facing prejudice in racing and in life, achieved world renown at the turn of the last century. Following an introductory author's note, Brill's accessible, personable prose vividly relates Taylor's experiences, from the childhood trick-cycling gig that earned him his nickname, Major (inspired by his military costume), to his later triumphs as the first black world cycling champion. Darker moments are also covered, including his painful struggles with racism and his eventual plunge into obscurity, where he remained until after his death. Sidebars highlight American bicycle-racing history and Jim Crow laws; visuals include archival photos and ephemera. Although source notes are provided for quotations, many of which come from Taylor's autobiography, attribution is missing from passages that imply knowledge about the athlete's state of mind. Still, such dramatized segments add intimacy to the narrative, and throughout, this inspiring life story will engage children, whether or not they are cycling enthusiasts. The useful end matter includes resources for further research. Rosenfeld, Shelle