"Joe Louis" depicts the prizefighter's life, and the times in which he lived, from his childhood in a sharecropper's cabin in Alabama and his formative years in Detroit to his legendary career, her service in the Army, and his stint as a professional wrestler after retiring from boxing in 1951. 

This biography of heavyweight boxing champ Louis provides not just an account of Louis' career, but an accompanying survey of what makes a 'hero' in American black community eyes. Louis helped force the integration of America, opening the door for other black athletes: this explores his impact on black interests as a whole. 

This is an outstanding book. It's enlightening entertaining and very enjoyable. JL's life from early childhood in Alabama to his youth in Detroit is clearly written. His amateur career is well documented as are all his professional fights. His boxing coterie and family life are also well drawn.