The World's Fastest Man: The Extraordinary Life of Cyclist Major Taylor, America's First Black Sports Hero

Unsung hero book introducing great Black cyclist history.

I love this book! Could hardly put it down and have gifted it two times since. Such an incredible story about an amazing individual I hadn't really heard of before. Will be reading a second time, Major Marshall Taylor, you're a hero!

It bothers me that I never heard of Major Taylor before. I enjoyed every part of the book. I think the author did a remarkable job.

Before Jackie Robinson, before Ali, and before Jesse Owens, there was Marshall Walter Taylor (1878-1932); better known as Major Taylor. This book is a must for anyone who has any interest in cycling, whether competitive or weekend warrior or a commuter, and or for anyone who loves reading about overcoming adversity against all odds. During a time when racism continued to dominate the lives of African Americans not only in the South and parts of the North, but also throughout the country and parts of the world Major Taylor accomplished a feat that paved the way for future generations of African Americans. With the help of his mentor and idol, who happened to be white cyclist, Taylor managed to evade the attacks of racist white racers who conspired against him at every opportunity so that he would never win. Becoming the U.S. and World Champion several times on the cycling track Taylor proved to be the fastest man in the world, and thereby proving many wrong whose racist ideas made them believe that blacks were lazy, uneducated, and unable to set goals for themselves. .!!!THIS IS A MUST READ!!!

My brother accedently gave my first book on Major Taylor away. This was 15 years ago. Loved it so much . Great story. So inspiring. Thier was a 4 hr movie on pbs many years ago but it was boring . Hope they can try again n make the book come to the screen. That would be a great movie.

A must read for every cyclist and student of western civilization history.

How easily one’s story fades. This is one to know. It’s more than just a tale of a guy doing the best he can to achieve a goal. It’s a clear depiction of historical event in the midst of it.When the bicycle came out it was revolutionary. Just think... massive amounts of horse manure was being eliminated from public streets by people riding bikes. After the Civil War and racism rampant.

My father is an avid biker. I gave this to him for Christmas. He liked it.

To be able to locate this book and learn the history of this famous racing cyclist