The autobiography of an African American cycling superstar

The Fastest Bicycle Rider in the World

The True Story of America’s First Black World Champion

by Adonia E. Lugo, PhD (Foreword) and Marshall "Major" Taylor (Author)

Marshall "Major" Taylor became the first Black sports star to become a global celebrity when he won the world cycling championship in 1899. Throughout his bike-racing career, he won awards and set records on and off the track. But in his native United States, he faced racist discrimination and violence at every turn, causing him to spend most of his time in Europe. After retiring from racing, he wrote and published his autobiography and traveled the world promoting it. Though written in the 1920s, his story feels fresh, contemporary, and readable. His life was too short, but his legacy lives on.

SUBJECT: Memoir / Political / History / Activism / Race / Sports / Bikes / Microcosm Published / Midwest

PUBLICATION: Jan 10, 2023

PRICE: $16.95

ISBN: 9781648411328

FORMAT: 256 pages, 6x9", paperback

WHOLESALE: $10.17

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Marketing Notes

Learn about the record-setting bike racer few today have heard of
Major Taylor was the first Black sports star to become a global celebrity, as well-known in his era as LeBron James or Michael Jordan are today
In recent years, efforts have been made to celebrate his life's achievements, give tribute, and revive Taylor's story in order to introduce it to younger generations

Adonia Lugo, PhD is an urban anthropologist, bicyclist, and activist in Los Angeles.

Marshall “Major” Taylor (1878-1932) was a Black American cyclist who was one of the greatest bicyclists of his era. In 1928, he published an autobiography that cited his mental strain of battling racism in competitive cycling.

A small, innovative publishing house, Microcosm Publishing specializes in work designed to make the reader feel good about being alive, take an active role in bettering their life, and impact the world around them. Microcosm has developed a reputation for teaching self-empowerment, showing hidden histories, and fostering creativity through challenging conventional publishing wisdom with books and zines about DIY skills, food, politics, and art. Our books are printed in the USA.