Cinderella Man: James Braddock, Max Baer, and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History

Book Description

Lost in the annals of boxing is the sport's true Cinderella story. James J. Braddock, dubbed "Cinderella Man" by Damon Runyon, was a once promising light heavyweight for whom a string of losses in the ring and a broken right hand happened to coincide with the Great Crash of 1929. With one good hand, Braddock was forced to labor on the docks of Hoboken. Only his manager, Joe Gould, still believed in him, finding fights for Braddock to help feed his wife and children. The diminutive, loquacious Jew and the burly, quiet Irishman made one of boxing's oddest couples, but together they staged the greatest comeback in fighting history. In twelve months Braddock went from the relief rolls to face heavyweight champion Max Baer, the Livermore Butcher Boy, renowned for having allegedly killed two men in the ring. A charismatic, natural talent and in every way Braddock's foil, Baer was a towering opponent, a Jew from the West Coast who was famously brash and made great copy both in and out of the ring. A ten-to-one underdog, Braddock carried the hopes and dreams of the working class on his shoulders. And when boxing was the biggest sport in the world, when the heavyweight champion was the biggest star in the world, his unlikely upset made Braddock the most popular champion boxing had ever seen. Against the gritty backdrop of the Depression, Cinderella Man brings this dramatic all-American story to life, evoking a time when the sport of boxing resonated with a country trying desperately to get back on its feet. Schaap paints a vivid picture of the fight world in its golden age, populated by men of every class and ethnic background and covered voluminously by writers who elevated sports writing to art. Rich in anecdote and color, steeped in history, and full of human interest, Cinderellla Man is a classic David and Goliath tale that transcends the sport.

Customer Reviews:

Well Done Boxing Biography.......2007-08-11

Jeremy Schaap does a nice job of telling the story of James J. Braddock who pulled off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history on June 13, 1935 when he defeated Max Baer for the world heavyweight boxing championship. While I don't think Schaap does a wonderful job of capturing the era or the times that Braddock lived in, he does an excellent job of conveying Braddock's up and down career, his relationship with his manager Joe Gould, and the desperate straights both found themselves in during The Great Depression. It's really a heartwarming story in many ways.

Schaap also provides us a very good look at the character and career of Max Baer. In many ways Baer's career could be seen as a bit of a tragedy in that he squandered his great talent by not applying himself to the craft of boxing. Then again, he was emotionally affected by the death of Frankie Campbell after Baer knocked him out in the ring and appeared to see boxing a means to wealth and fame but didn't really like it - at least the training aspect of it. Schaap's treatment of the controversial Baer seems evenhanded and well woven into the book.

Overall, for sports and boxing enthusiasts, a definite thumbs up.

Cinderella Man.......2007-02-16

Incredible descriptions of Jimmy Braddock's and Max Baer's fights. Most boxing books fail to describe the blow by blow action as well as this book does. I actually got chills reading about Braddock's jab in the early rounds of their encounter.

A Great Book!.......2006-11-01

This book is about one of the greatest sports comeback ever. Schaap not only profiles the history of boxing but gives us a quaint look at life during the 1930's depression. Jimmy Braddock, was a washed-up, underdog determined to win the title against one of the greatest boxers ever, Max Baer. Braddock was billed as a 10-to-one underdog. Baer was not only
heavily favored, but he had already killed two men in the ring. Braddock, with the help of his manager, Joe Gould makes a remarkable comeback and defeats Baer. Braddock becomes a hero and is able to get off welfare once and for all. The story is a hit, even for those who don't like boxing.

Cinderella Man:James Braddock, Max Baer, and the Greatest Upset in Boxing History.......2006-08-28

I haven't had time to read the book yet but it arrived very quickly, wich pleased me.

Great book!.......2006-02-27

If you liked the movie you will love the book. The book goes into much greater detail about the man and the time period. Also, if you want to know more about Max B. you will not be disappointed. He was unfairly shown in the movie as a one dimensional bad guy.

If you want to step into a time machine and see what boxing was like in the late 20's and early 30's, this one is for you. I could not put it down till I was done.

Enlightening Cinderella: Beyond the Prince Charming Fantasy

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A Little Magic and Lots of Understanding
My fairy godmother
Now I Believe in Fairy God Mothers
My husband realized it wasn't my fault
Should be included in every New Marriage

Enlightening Cinderella: Beyond the Prince Charming Fantasy
Suzanne E. Harrill
Manufacturer: Findhorn Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1899171584

Book Description

Jumpstart your relationship with this delightful new book about improving relationships and building personal power. Our story begins with Cinderella, after ten years of marriage, sitting in her castle garden crying because she is unhappily married and doubting whether or not Prince Charming is really her soul mate after all. Suddenly, to her surprise Fairy Godmother reappears and the two have a series of meeting where Cinderella learns many truths about herself and relationships. Learn how to do the innerwork necessary to create a good relationship with yourself and with your partner. Build personal power and self-esteem by doing the exercises recommended to Cinderella.

Join us and learn such things as:

•The stages of relationships
•Romantic love is not a good indicator of long term mature love
•Conflict is inevitable: good relationships learn to confront and resolve conflict
•Building good communication skills improves your relationship
•One partner can impact the relationship positively with awareness and new patterns
•Building self-esteem is important for a strong marital foundation
•Understanding how your past influences your present relationship and what to do about it

This is an entertaining story, as well as, a self-help book with useful tips and many points to ponder. This is a book for everyone seeking help with improving their relationships. It is for women longing for a deeper awareness of self and for men wishing to understand the inner journey of their partners.

Customer Reviews:

A Little Magic and Lots of Understanding.......2005-06-25

I found myself feeling joyful and inspired while reading this story and believe women - especially those that married young - can benefit from reading it. The Prince Charming fantasy is real for many of us. All long-term relationships must evolve for us to live a fulfilling life as an individual spiritual being in-relation to others. Once the initial blush of getting to know each other runs its course, most people have no idea where to go next or what to do. This book guides you through the process of self-exploration with caring and gentleness and does it with no judgments or blame.

My fairy godmother.......2005-05-30

When I read a book, I usually form a bit of an idea of what the author is like and I felt like it was written by a friend who understands me. This book has a flow to it that makes it easy to read. It's 'reality-based' and would be worth a read by anyone at any stage of a marriage, or any other relationship for that matter.

Now I Believe in Fairy God Mothers.......2002-03-27

By the time I got to chapter three of this delightful Marriage Life-line, I was certain Suzanne Harrill is my Fairy God Mother. Her remarkable insight into how I feel about the hard-hitting reality that after five years of sincere heartfelt mutual joy with my husband--the honeymoon is "somehow" really over--is a bright light of hope into a rats nest of confusion. The book imparts a sense of universal compassion and understanding for the position and perspectives of both wouldbe Cinderella's AND our Princes such that, contrary to how it seems, our plight is natural in the maturing of a long-term comitted partnerships. Each chapter offers hands-on processes to reflect and clarify thoughts, feelings and goals personally and as a couple. Following the guidelines, each person has a chance to explore individual needs and desires while helping each other decide what is best for the relationship. It is a priceless tool for anyone navigating a marriage individually or together.

My husband realized it wasn't my fault.......2002-03-13

Accessible. Lighthearted but deeply wise. I read this book on a friend's recommendation because my husband is having a mid-life crisis. I got him to read this book and he said, "Oh, I've been projecting." In other words, he was blaming me for things about himself that he didn't like. It was an important step in a living nightmare that came after 15 years of a mostly wonderful marriage. If only we all took classes in what a mature marriage looks like -- we see our parents' marriages but there is much they don't reveal to children. This book fills that gap. Read it early -- before you *need* to read it. At first, we don't talk with others because we feel shame. But this book helps you see how common these painful problems really are. You aren't alone.

Should be included in every New Marriage.......2001-10-12

The book was first read by the woman that I am involved with. She really enjoyed reading it and was able to understand more about our relationship. I read the book a couple months later and it also gave me more understanding about our problems between us. The book does stress how important a third neutral party can be of great help and as you might of guess unless you believe in Fairy Godmothers the third party is best left up to an Professional Therapist.

Average customer rating:

No Surprises
Cinderella Man
Cinderella Man
Cerasini Knows How To Pen A Novel!
Buy the other book by Schaap

Cinderella Man
Marc Cerasini
Manufacturer: HarperEntertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0060779586
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Book Description

Set in New York in the Depression, this is the story of Jim Braddock, who takes up boxing to make money to feed his family, and eventually goes up against champ Max Baer, notorious for having killed two men in the ring.

James J. Braddock, born in New York City, was known locally for his thunderous right hand and successful amateur boxing career. After turning professional, he defeated foe after foe, and his rapid rise from obscurity earnt him the nickname, the Cinderella Man. He was given a shot at the world light heavyweight title against champion Tommy Loughran in 1929, but lost in a 15–round decision. Following that defeat and the stock market crash of 1929, Jim Braddock struggled to win fights and provide for his young family.

Eventually Jim's luck turned. In 1934 he had upset wins against Corn Griffin and John Henry Lewis. With these two wins, Braddock set himself up for another shot at the world title – against heavyweight champion, Max Baer. On 13 June 1935, as a 10 to 1 underdog, Jim took the world title from Max Baer in what was described as, 'the greatest fistic upset since the defeat of John L. Sullivan by Jim Corbett'. Braddock would lose his heavyweight title two years later in an eight–round KO to 'The Brown Bomber', Joe Louis. Jim was inducted into the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame in 1964, the Hudson County Hall of Fame in 1991 and the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2001.

Customer Reviews:

No Surprises.......2006-03-01

Often seeing a ***** film leads me to seek further pleasure in reading the book upon which the film was based. Unfortunately, this book adds little and would more aptly be called a narrative script of the film. - Anita Madsen

Cinderella Man.......2005-10-07

I really liked the book. It caught my attention alot in the story. I found myself not being able to put the book down. I liked Jim out of all the characters, because he was the fighter, and he showed a lot of determindation and fighting skills. I liked the ending because he came back and beat Baer, who was supposed to "Kill him". It was a good book.

Cinderella Man .......2005-08-22

A month before the Australian release of 'Cinderella Man', I am
pleased to announce I have finished the novel. It is a 274 page book full of blood, sweat, and tears. It also throws a spotlight on the daily struggles one faces during tremendous hardship during the Great Depression.

It is a book based on true events that gave hope to millions of Americans when there was none. The story of James J. Braddock, dubbed 'Cinderella Man', for the magic he works so effortlessly
around his opponents inside the boxing ring.

This novel is well written and easy to read. It could look deceptive at first glance, like Jim Braddock himself, but don't be fooled. There is an incredible amount of hard work gone into each and every page of this book. Beneath the pale exterior of Jim's face, is a novel that is drenched in the hard-worked sweat of men who never give up. The boxing scenes leave the reader with a real whollop that will having you seeing stars. However, none more so then the final fight of the book when Jim Braddock must face Max Baer. Known to have killed two men in the ring.

A novel that shines with a light of its very own. May we all live a blessed, happy life with those we love. If nothing else, this book should teach us that some things are worth fighting for and some things are worth dying for. May we all be wise in knowing the difference between the two and following our hearts through to their conclusion. Triumphant or otherwise, there are always moments in life we will savor over others. There wouldn't be anything more satisfying then saving people from harm. It isn't always easy but we all are capable of a human emotion worth expressing to others. The expression of unconditional love to someone worth saving, and it is that love from someone that is worth cherishing forever.

Cerasini Knows How To Pen A Novel!.......2005-07-08

Recently, I stopped at a Walgreens to pick up medication for severe Poison Ivy. While the medication was being assembled, I had some time to kill, so I grabbed Cinderella Man off the book rack and began to read. I couldn't stop! This book is such a good read. I enjoyed every single page.

The story of Jim Braddock is amazing enough, but when a great writer like Marc Cerasini is added to tell the story, well the whole piece of art comes together, creating one of the best novels I have read in a while.

Cerasini manages to bring the reader into the Braddock home, exeriencing the closeness of this family that experienced tragedy and triumph on a roller-coaster type schedule. It was amazing how fast I read through this book. I couldn't get enough information about this inspiring family.

Cinderella Man takes the reader back in time, and in many ways, reminded me of The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck. But I find Cerasini's style of writing to be a bit easier; the words seemed to flow right in to one another, and it was hard to pull my eyes off the pages. This book is well worth the $6.99. In fact, it's worth a whole lot more.

Buy this book. You'll love it!

See ya next review!

Buy the other book by Schaap.......2005-07-03

This book is based upon the "screenplay" of the movie, not the actual bio of Braddock which was written by Jeremy Schaap. This book includes "Hollywood" versions of what really happened...like the part where Braddock is pan-handling with his hat out at the Garden...that's not the way it really happened. He actually went to visit his manager Joe Gould at the Garden to borrow the $35 from him and him alone...he did not pass a hat around for donations.

The book is well written, but again, it gives the Hollywood take on it and if you really want the factual depiction I recommend Jeremy Schaap's version.

Great story none the less.

Braddock: The Rise of the Cinderella Man

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Real life of the Cinderella Man
Swift, informative, compelling story

Braddock: The Rise of the Cinderella Man
Jim Hague
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: B000IMV8BA

Book Description

The only available biography of a boxing legend.

James J. Braddock's nickname-the Cinderella Man-was an understatement. His rise from hard-luck, bottom-rung local slugger to heavyweight champion of the world is still regarded as one of the greatest true-life triumphs in the history of sport. Here, published to coincide with the release of Ron Howard's film Cinderella Man, starring Russell Crowe, is the story of a man who saw that the odds were against him-so he stepped into the ring and beat them.

From his rise through the ranks as a promising young pro and his heartbreaking decision defeat at the hands of champion Tommy Loughran to the hard times after the stock market crash-when he could barely support his family-and his miraculous win over heavyweight champ Max Baer in 1935, Braddock's life is a moving underdog story. He once inspired a depression-era America that had lost all hope, and today, his story will captivate readers with its blend of the history of a sport and an era with the biography of a champion in the ring and in life.

Universal/Miramax will release the major motion picture Cinderella Man in spring 2005. Russell Crowe will star, Ron Howard will direct.

Customer Reviews:

Real life of the Cinderella Man.......2005-07-28

Book is very easy to read, and flows at a nice pace. If you've seen the movie, you'll be surprized at how close the book is to the movie. It's an inspirational story of a true American hero. A man dedicated to the welfare of his family. Most of the book is foucused on his fights. But there is enough of the personal life of James J. Braddock to keep those happy who are seeking a personal account of his life.

Swift, informative, compelling story.......2005-06-16

Author Hague starts off this swifly moving, detailed, clear account of James J. Braddock's life and career by putting his birth in context - the 17-pound (yes, you read that right) infant was born in 1906 on the same day the passenger ship Lusitania launched, the same hot day the Chicago Cubs began a 19-0 winning streak. Jimmy Braddock is a big kid, and like the boys in his neighborhood, emulates famous fighters. Hague chronicles, in plain and articulate language, Braddock's professional battles and rise from dockworker to heavyweight champion.

This is a terrific Cinderella story that fans and non-sports-fans, young and old can enjoy. It also fills in background for those who see the movie. Hague is a sportswriter who covers news and sports in the same area where Braddock grew up, so he clearly knows (and is interested in) what he speaks. The book is also nicely put together and easy to carry around. Full Disclosure: I am an editor at the chain of newspapers for which Hague writes sports and some news, so I got the book early through him, but it really is swift reading.

Cinderella Man, Level 4, Penguin Readers (Penguin Longman Penguin Readers S.)

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Cinderella Man, Level 4, Penguin Readers (Penguin Longman Penguin Readers S.)
LONGMAN
Manufacturer: Pearson ESL
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1405806427

Beyond Cinderella: How to Find and Marry the Man You Want

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A "Must" read for any single woman wanting a relationship.
A GREAT AND MUCH NEEDED RELATIONSHIP GUIDE FOR SINGLE WOMEN

Beyond Cinderella: How to Find and Marry the Man You Want
Nita Tucker , and Debra Feinstein
Manufacturer: St Martins Mass Market Paper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0312911610

Customer Reviews:

A "Must" read for any single woman wanting a relationship........1999-10-19

I have read lots of books on dating and relationships. This was the best one so far because it gives practical advice and insights into why we can't seem to find the right guy. There are exercises that give in-depth awarenesses of who we are and what we really want in life with a partner. Focusing on what we need to improve to be a better "attraction" is also important. I believe that this book needs to be reprinted, and I would pray that a smart publisher out there does so. I found the book through the inter-library system from San Antonio Texas and I live in Phoenix Arizona! I recommend it to any woman who feels she is getting nowhere in her search for happiness in a committed relationship. I am starting the program now and I truly have hope and encouragement that there is a man out there for me.

A GREAT AND MUCH NEEDED RELATIONSHIP GUIDE FOR SINGLE WOMEN.......1999-04-27

I MUST ADMIT I WAS TURNED OFF BY THE TITLE. I ASSUMED THE AUTHOR WAS GOING TO DO LITTLE MORE THAN COMMUNICATE PLACES TO MEET RICH MEN (THE RITZ FOR TEA, GOLF, CONVENTIONS). INSTEAD I WAS PLEASANTLY SURPRISED; THIS BOOK PROVOKES A REFRESHING LOOK AT OURSELVES, OUR BELIEFS, ATTITUDES, LIKES AND DISLIKES, EXPECTATIONS, INSECURITIES, AND OTHER FACTORS THAT MIGHT HAVE KEPT US FROM BEING IN A WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIP. I USED SOME OF THE EXERCISES FOR A RELATIONSHIP CLASS THAT I CONDUCTED IN THE VIRGIN ISLANDS. IT WAS A SUCCESS. THERE IS A REAL NEED FOR THIS BOOK TO BE BACK IN PRINT AND ON THE MARKET. IF I HAD SOMETHING TO BACK IT UP, I WOULD GUARANTEE EVERY WOMEN THAT SHE WILL LEARN AND GROW AS A RESULT OF READING THIS BOOK AND, MORE IMPORTANTLY, DOING THE EXERCISES AT THE END OF EACH CHAPTER. EVERY SINGLE WOMEN SHOULD READ THIS BOOK.

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abundance
Witty, fun, deliciously gossipy, above all inspiring!
Forthright with honesty!

Cinderella Is a Man
R. Eric Gustafson
Manufacturer: W A M Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0966839617

Book Description

This is the story of an energetic, intelligent, and handsome young man flowering on the international scene despite the obscurity of his birthplace. Eric in search of himself hid behind substance abuse while putting on a facade of self-confidence. In the milieu of Joan Crawford, Greta Garbo, Georgia O'Keeffe, Andy Warhol, Leonard Bernstein, European royalty including a ruling king, and even Pope John XXIII, his life spiraled into a nightmare out of control.

The ornamental jet-setter who was the debutante's delight, the dowager's dream extra man at table, and the gay man's pleasure grew swollen with drink and withdrew into a reclusive world.

Elizabeth Taylor's admonition, "Get your ass over to Betty Ford's" together with similar advice from Bill Hurt changed the course of events. Betty Ford and the road to recovery through a 12-step program inducing a growing spiritual life augmented by the healing powers of the arts saved his life. This sharing of a glittering life in which destruction seemed inevitable actually led to redemption through sobriety and faith should be an encouragement for others.

This is a story full of humor, drama, and, most of all, hope.

Customer Reviews:

abundance.......2000-02-18

Bravo to the author for acheiving "growing sobriety" and having the guts to shine an unflattering light on his earlier alcohol-fueled activities. Most of us don't have the inner strength to reveal our foibles quite so honestly. BTW - I couldn't put the book down!

Witty, fun, deliciously gossipy, above all inspiring!.......1999-07-11

Eric Gustafson's Fellini-esque travels with the rich and famous, his "bumpy road" fueled by alcohol and a need to be noticed, his desire for meaning and his ability to make life-long friends along the way--all these elements and more make "Cinderella is a Man" fascinating reading. His devotion to his friends and to telling the whole truth make him an inspiration to us all. Go ahead, give it to your Aunt--she'll love it!

Forthright with honesty!.......1999-05-12

I was peased to have the opportunity to read "Cinderella is a Man", so forthright with honesty, Gustafson exposed his vulnerablility and triumphed through recovery, dealing a death blow to the past!

Cinderella Man: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Script)

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A Knockout

Cinderella Man: The Shooting Script (Newmarket Shooting Script)
Cliff Hollingsworth , and Akiva Goldsman
Manufacturer: Newmarket Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1557046514

Book Description

From the award-winning creative team behind Best Picture Oscar®-winner A Beautiful Mind, comes this new film, starring Russell Crowe and Renée Zellweger, inspired by the life of legendary boxer Jim Braddock who defeated heavyweight champ Max Baer in a 15-round fight in 1935.

Producer Brian Grazer, director Ron Howard and screenwriter Akiva Goldsman—all Oscar® winners for 2001's A Beautiful Mind—are reunited with Oscar®-winner Russell Crowe for Cinderella Man, inspired by the life of legendary athlete Jim Braddock, a once-promising light heavyweight boxer forced into retirement after a string of losses in the ring.

As the nation enters the darkest years of the Great Depression, Braddock accepts a string of dead-end jobs to support his wife, Mae (Renée Zellweger), and their children, while never totally abandoning his dream of boxing again. Thanks to a last-minute cancellation, Braddock finds himself back in the ring against the second-ranked world contender—and to everyone's amazement, wins in the third round. Despite being pounds lighter than his opponents and repeated injuries to his hands, Braddock continues to fight against challengers and win. Carrying on his shoulders the hopes and dreams of the disenfranchised, Braddock, dubbed the "Cinderella Man," faces his toughest challenger in Max Baer (Craig Bierko), the heavyweight champion of the world, renowned for having killed two men in the ring.

Braddock—not so much a great boxer as a great man who boxed—climbed into the ring seeking nothing more than to provide for his wife and children. His commitment to them inspired him to championship, elevating the family man with a simple cause to the level of legend.

The Newmarket Shooting Script book includes the complete screenplay, an exclusive introduction and Q&A with director Ron Howard, film stills and complete cast and crew credits. 20 b/w photos.

Customer Reviews:

A Knockout.......2005-09-11

The NEWMARKET series is the best in published screenplays because they maintain the original format of the pages from the production script. As any screenwriter knows, the layout and presentation of how a page looks can sometimes be as important as the content.

This is a great book and a great movie. The script itself is very readable, plus it represents a primer on how to write both period detail and boxing scenes. The additional historic and filmmaking information only adds to the experience of the film -- and of reading the script.

Average customer rating:

A great story worth reading, but not a great biography
fun, easy read
Superficial history of boxing in the 1920's and 1930's
If you've seen the movie, read the book.
Too much fluff, not enough Braddock

Cinderella Man
Michael C. DeLisa
Manufacturer: Milo Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1903854377

Book Description

In 1934, Jim Braddock was down and out. His boxing career blighted by broken hands, the New York Irishman had won five of his previous 21 bouts and had been forced to quit. The Great Depression was at its height. When work dried up on the Hudson River docks, Braddock was forced to claim welfare relief to feed his young family.

Then came a visit from his old manager, asking if he wanted one more fight. Desperate for money, Braddock had no choice but to say yes. Four wins later, he was the heavyweight champion of the world in the greatest upset in the sport's history.

Braddock's rags-to-riches success led Damon Runyon to call him the Cinderella Man. His story captivated the nation in much the way the racehorse Seabiscuit's would a few years later. Braddock came to represent the struggle for survival facing many families in mid-1930s America.

James J. Braddock was born in New York City in 1906, one of seven children. He developed an early taste for fighting and quit school to work a series of menial jobs before resolving to pursue his boxing dream. Over the next decade he became a contender, before injury ruined his prospects. Redemption came on the night of June 13, 1935, with his famous victory over the outrageous champion Max Baer. Braddock would later lose his title to the great Joe Louis, but his place as the people's champion was cemented forever.

Author Michael DeLisa is historical consultant on a major motion picture entitled The Cinderella Man, starring Russell Crowe and Renee Zellweger, to be released in the summer of 2005.

Customer Reviews:

A great story worth reading, but not a great biography.......2006-04-13

I'm not a boxing fan, but became interested in James Braddock's story after watching the Movie Cinderella Man. My ultimate goal was to find our more about this man that staged an incredible comeback against staggering odds, to win the world heavy weight championship from Max Baer. Delisa's book attempts to deliver to the reader something more of Braddock's life; however, the information is mostly acecdotle and second hand, and fails to shed much more light on what Braddock was like. The fact of the matter is, there is likely little information about Braddock's life other then what Delisa tells, or he would have likely told it, given he mentions previous bios of the former champ that were written during Braddock lifetime. The upside to the book is that Delisa gives the reader an excellent view of the cast of characters that made up the world of boxing in the 20's and 30's, weaving Braddock into the picture when appropriate, which is often. Delisa also gives the reader a strong account of how the Great Depression affected Braddock, Boxing, and the nation, which embraced Braddock as one of their own, because he was down as far as anyone at the time and brought himself back from the edge of oblivion to save himself and his family.

fun, easy read.......2005-10-15

you learn more about the real jimmy braddock and his mob connected manager. you learn how jimmy had a few businesses on the side besides being a boxer. its a good story.

Superficial history of boxing in the 1920's and 1930's.......2005-08-15

This book devoted way too much time to insignificant details not related to Jim Braddock's story. Why was so much time spent describing the life and fighting history of guys like Primo Carnera...guys that Braddock never fought? This book is a superficial account of boxing in the 1920's and 30's. Braddock's story is an inspirational one, however this book doesn't give the reader any insight into the man. Very disappointing account of the Braddock story.

If you've seen the movie, read the book........2005-07-28

Book is a good read, but sometimes a little to much detail of the fights and opponents broddock faced. If you've seen the movie, you'll be surprized at how close the book is to the movie. It's an inspirational story of a true American hero. A man dedicated to the welfare of his family. Most of the book is foucused on his fights. But there is enough of the personal life of James J. Braddock to keep those happy who are seeking a personal account of his life.

Too much fluff, not enough Braddock.......2005-07-08

While the concept of Braddock's hardships and the level on which he competed are interesting, DeLisa puts too much emphasis on small details and characters. It was easy to get lost in his sauce of players, boxers, spectators, managers, this guy, and that guy. What about Braddock? What about his relationship with his kids, neighbors, family, in relation to boxing? Why not simply state the various build ups to different fights, as opposed to Primo Carnera's birthplace and the size of his underpants? This story does not get fully underway until more than half way through the book. It ends quickly without much information of Braddock's former years and how he lived after boxing. More about the concept of Cinderella and how other people were also fighting at the time--fighting to live. Wordy and simplistic, skip to the middle of the book. Don't waste time assuming the photos at the beginning of the chapters have much to do with the actual text and storyline.

Average customer rating:

CINDERELLA MAN
JEREMY SCHAAP
Manufacturer: ORION (AN IMPRINT OF THE ORION PUBLISHING GROUP LTD )
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Boxing | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0752877100

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