Two original publicity photographs of boxer Joe Louis, circa 1936

New York: N.p., Circa 1936. Two vintage publicity photographs of famed heavyweight boxer Joe Louis at the height of his career, circa 1936.

Joe Louis Barrow was born in Chambers County, Alabama, in 1914. Nicknamed "the Brown Bomber," Louis reigned as the world heavyweight champion from 1937 until his temporary retirement in 1949. Louis' public image was tightly controlled by his handlers, and the boxer soon gained a reputation in the white media for being modest and clean-living. As a result, Louis became one of the first African-American national heroes, a sentiment which grew stronger in the wake of his highly publicized World War II-era matches with German boxer Max Schmeling.

8 x 10 inches. Near Fine.

[Book #170471]