Great White Hopes

The Quest to Defeat Jack Johnson

Nonfiction, Sports, Boxing, History
Cover of the book Great White Hopes by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter, The History Press
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter ISBN: 9780752496153
Publisher: The History Press Publication: March 17, 2005
Imprint: The History Press Language: English
Author: Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
ISBN: 9780752496153
Publisher: The History Press
Publication: March 17, 2005
Imprint: The History Press
Language: English

In Sydney, Australia, in 1908 the brash and talented black fighter Jack Johnson won the heavyweight championship of the world from the Canadian Tommy Burns. There was an immediate storm of protest. Writers, including Jack London, and politicians feared the accession of the fearless and outspoken Johnson would threaten white supremacy. It was predicted - accurately - that his reign would lead to civil unrest and race riots. Over the next seven years, more than thirty fighters lured by the prospect of fame and a quick buck sought to regain the title from the black champion. Their stories - tragic, humorous and often deeply moving - were soon emblazoned across the headlines of thousands of newspapers. The stumbling would-be fighters emerged from farms, factories, mines, jails and hobo jungles to take part in one of the most bizarre epochs in the history of boxing and to add a new phrase to the English language, the White Hopes. In the process they were handled by some of the most venal and corrupt managers and promoters ever to be found outside a prison exercise yard.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

In Sydney, Australia, in 1908 the brash and talented black fighter Jack Johnson won the heavyweight championship of the world from the Canadian Tommy Burns. There was an immediate storm of protest. Writers, including Jack London, and politicians feared the accession of the fearless and outspoken Johnson would threaten white supremacy. It was predicted - accurately - that his reign would lead to civil unrest and race riots. Over the next seven years, more than thirty fighters lured by the prospect of fame and a quick buck sought to regain the title from the black champion. Their stories - tragic, humorous and often deeply moving - were soon emblazoned across the headlines of thousands of newspapers. The stumbling would-be fighters emerged from farms, factories, mines, jails and hobo jungles to take part in one of the most bizarre epochs in the history of boxing and to add a new phrase to the English language, the White Hopes. In the process they were handled by some of the most venal and corrupt managers and promoters ever to be found outside a prison exercise yard.

More books from The History Press

Cover of the book Rivals of the Ripper by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Miles M.52 by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Royal Artillery Glossary of Terms and Abbreviations by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Great Western Railway in the First World War by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book 1970s Childhood by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Wiltshire Folk Tales by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Suffolk: Strange But True by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Little Book of Ranelagh by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Heroes, Scoundrels and Angels by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book The Lighthouse by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Life in the Victorian & Edwardian Workhouse by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Workers' War by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Dying Days of the Third Reich by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book From Hope to Hatred by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
Cover of the book Nelson Companion by Graeme Kent, Harry Carpenter
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy