Beyond Glory

by David Margolick
Beyond Glory cover
Good Books rating 3.83
History, Political, Military, Adventure
Buy online
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8222
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-21
  • Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
  • Published: 2005-01-01
  • Reviews: 3

Beyond Glory delves into the gripping story of the Joe Louis-Max Schmeling heavyweight fights, which transcended sports to become a powerful symbol of the era's hopes, hatreds, and fears. These fights captured the world's attention as tensions mounted on the eve of World War II, reflecting the broader societal and political climate. /n/n The book explores the profound impact of these matches, not just in the realm of sports, but also in the cultural and historical context. It highlights how the rivalry between Louis and Schmeling became a microcosm of the global struggle between democracy and fascism, making it a pivotal moment in history.

Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-12-21
brilliant 4.00

The book vividly captures the emotional outpouring and social divisions sparked by the fighters, illuminating their cultural significance.

This book vividly captures the emotional outpouring and social divisions sparked by Joe Louis and Max Schmeling. The author does a brilliant job of illuminating the cultural and social significance of these fighters and their matches. The narrative is engaging and provides a deep understanding of the broader implications of these events. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of sports and social history.

Quick quotes

    Vividly capturing the outpouring of emotion that the two fighters brought forth, Margolick brilliantly illuminates the cultural and social divisions that they ...

    The book vividly captures the emotional outpouring and social divisions sparked by the fighters, illuminating their cultural significance.

    The narrative is engaging and provides a deep understanding of the broader implications of these events.

patricktreardon.com · 2013-09-05
engaging 4.00

The book effectively captures the intensity of the key fights between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, providing a vivid historical context.

This book does a fantastic job of bringing the fights between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling to life. The author's detailed descriptions of the matches and the surrounding historical context make it a compelling read. The narrative is engaging and provides a deep understanding of the cultural and social impact of these fights. It's a must-read for anyone interested in sports history or the broader social issues of the time.

Quick quotes

    In Beyond Glory, David Margolick does a good job of describing the key fights of Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, particularly their two against each other.

    The book effectively captures the intensity of the key fights between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling, providing a vivid historical context.

    The narrative is engaging and provides a deep understanding of the cultural and social impact of these fights.

The New York Times · 2005-10-02
solid 3.50

The book is a heavyweight of historical reportage, focusing on the fights and their broader implications rather than cultural criticism.

This book is a heavyweight of historical reportage, focusing on the fights between Joe Louis and Max Schmeling and their broader implications. The author does a commendable job of presenting the historical context and the impact of these fights on the world. While it may not delve as deeply into cultural criticism as some of the author's other works, it is a solid and engaging read. The narrative is well-researched and provides a comprehensive view of the events surrounding the fights.

Quick quotes

    Less cultural criticism than Margolick's artfully focused 'Strange Fruit,' 'Beyond Glory' is historical reportage, a heavyweight of a book that ...

    The book is a heavyweight of historical reportage, focusing on the fights and their broader implications rather than cultural criticism.

    The narrative is well-researched and provides a comprehensive view of the events surrounding the fights.

Appears in Lists