knockout a photobiography of boxer joe louis
knockout is a quintessential american story a humble but hardworking man overcomes poverty and prejudice to become world champion and an inspiration to millions around the world . george sullivans photobiography tells the powerful story of boxer joe louis with evocative period photography and a stirring narrative . this profile of one of americas favorite sportsmen offers boys a perfect choice for biography assignments and is a stunning addition to the award winning photobiographies series . br joe louis was the first african american to achieve a position of national prominence in 20th century america . his success and his dignified public persona as champion were a source of great pride to african americans whose heroes were rarely accorded recognition or respect . knockout sets the story of the brown bombers rise to fame against the background of his time . blacks were not permitted to play major league baseball or football and as the nation struggled through the depression in the 1930s and world war ii in the 1940s louis became a symbol of hope to all facing hardship . louiss series of fights against max schmeling of germany became the defining acts of his career . the reluctant schmeling was promoted by hitlers regime as the symbol of aryan supremacy but louiss stunning victory in 1938 punctured the nazi propaganda . louiss sensational first round tko win at yankee stadium also established the alabama fighter as one of the most popular figures for americans of all races .