Major Taylor – second edition, Andrew Ritchie (2010)

A fabulously illustrated and enhanced edition of this biography of one of the most remarkable cyclists ever

Van Der Plas Publications, 9781892495655 22cm x 28.5cm 208pp $39.95

When the first edition of this biography appeared, it was a pioneering work. Serious historical scholarship on the early days of cycle racing was thin on the ground. There was little interest in the athletic history of black, or African-American people. And Major Taylor – one of the greatest cyclists ever to ride the velodrome – was all but forgotten.

Happily, Ritchie’s meticulous research and accomplished storytelling did much to address this. Today, Taylor is celebrated in the names of numerous cycling organisations, a Major Taylor Association commemorates his achievements and a $265,000 memorial to Taylor outside the library in his hometown (Worcester, Mass) was unveiled in 2008.

Twenty two years is a long time to wait for a second edition, but this handsome volume does much to make it worthwhile. Of course, much new information has come to light in the ensuing period and this has been woven into the narrative.

The real delight of this new edition is the format and the illustration. As the author notes, photojournalism was a novelty during the peak of Taylor’s career – 1896-1904. The French press in particular took to Taylor and he was extensively and frequently photographed for publication. The US press, perhaps frightened of giving emphasis to Tayor’s race were rather less shutter happy. Nonetheless, this means that there is an extraordinary range of pictures available, showing Taylor throughout his career.

A generous selection now illustrate this book – from race pictures, to newspaper and magazine covers and formal portraits. Such generous graphical additions to the tale enrich it enormously . There are unposed shots with soigners and scabrous, often racist cartoons. All of which does much to enhance the flavour obtained of the extraordinary whirlwind that was track racing during this period.

It is a rare pleasure to see a really good book get the treatment that it deserves from a publisher. This is just such a package.

PS Oct 10