James J. Corbett

"He was indeed a gentleman - but James J. Corbett always rejected the name "Gentleman Jim." What he wanted, and won, was respect - for himself, for boxing, and for the popular stage.". "Before Corbett's time, both boxing and the theater were considered low entertainments, not fit for the better classes. Corbett's superstardom in both changed American social values, and his rags-to-riches story and widespread fame helped to create the country's first national sports hero. Quite apart from these mighty accomplishments, there were depths to Corbett that most of the world never knew.". "Here for the first time is the real story of James J. Corbett - the complex, enigmatic character, the national celebrity, and the true American gentleman."--BOOK JACKET.