In the 1920s and 30s, anti-Semitism was rife in the United States and Europe. Jews needed symbols of strength and demonstrations of courage against their enemies, and they found both in two champions of boxing: Max Baer and Barney Ross. Baer was the only Jewish heavyweight champion in the twentieth century, while Ross was considered one of the greatest welterweight and lightweight champions of the era. Although their careers never crossed paths, their boxing triumphs played a common role in lifting the spirits of persecuted Jews. In Max Baer and Barney Ross: Jewish Heroes of Boxing, Jeffrey Sussman chronicles the lives of two men whose successful bouts inside the ring served as inspiration for Jewish fans across the country and around the world. Though they came from very different backgrounds—Baer grew up on his family’s ranch in California, while Ross roamed the tough streets of Chicago and was a runner for Al Capone—both would bask in the limelight as boxing champions. Their stories include legendary encounters with such opponents as Jimmy McLarnin (known as the Jew Killer), Max Schmeling (Hitler’s favorite athlete), and Primo Carnera (a sad giant controlled and mistreated by gangsters). While recounting the exploits of these two men, the author also paints an evocative picture of boxing and the crucial role it played in an era of anti-Semitism. A vivid and engaging look at these two heroes and the difficult era in which they lived, Max Baer and Barney Ross will appeal to boxing fans, sports historians, and anyone interested in Jewish history.

"In this accessible book, Sussman details the history of Jewish boxers Max Baer and Barney Ross, select competitors and contemporaries, and the anti-Semitism that surrounded both men’s careers in the 1920s and 1930s. The author also discusses the general anti-Semitic culture in America during that period, the major players involved in perpetuating these beliefs, and the roles that Jewish boxers played within that culture. Other cultural forces discussed include the Great Depression and Hollywood. More descriptive history than academic tome, and often liberally pulling from other biographies, this work is not based on much original or academic research; instead, it focuses primarily on books and movies as source material to piece together a narrative. The author writes conversationally and often includes his own voice in the writing while relating his experiences with and interest in boxing and boxers. Filling in a specific gap in the history of boxing…this work is decent for those lower-level undergraduates or boxing fans interested in the history of this period in boxing and the role of Jewish boxers in history. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and general readers." - CHOICE

"From ancient times to the present, the fighting spirit of the Jews has been unquestioned. The many Jewish boxing champions and contenders celebrated in Jeffrey Sussman’s Max Baer and Barney Ross — Jewish Heroes of Boxing exemplifies this great fighting tradition. The Jewish dedication, perseverance and intelligence have set fine examples for those who follow in their footsteps." - The East Hampton Star

"In recounting the exploits of these two fighters, the pages of Jewish Heroes of Boxing are full of fascinating cameo appearances by Al Capone, Jack Ruby, Greta Garbo, Jean Harlow, Myrna Loy, Benny Leonard, Abe Attell, Adolf Hitler, Damon Runyon, and Budd Schulberg." - Heritage Florida Jewish News

"Pound for pound, Jeffrey Sussman is the strongest boxing writer alive.... Sussman deftly captures not just the lives of the men but the era in which they lived, when a strong right hand was all it took to lift an individual to the highest levels of fame.... Sussman deserves enormous credit for bringing to life a long lost era when Jews symbolized physical strength and courage through their success in the ring. The book is a must read not just for sports fans but for anyone who wants to understand a vital piece of American Jewish history. The book is a knockout." - The Huffington Post

"Many great anecdotes paint an interesting and vivid story [in Max Baer and Barney Ross].... An interesting read." - Southern Jewish Life Magazine

"Jews were a vital part of the ascendancy of boxing. From 1901 to 1939, according to boxing historian Mike Silver, they produced 29 world champions, about 16% of the total. Why did Jews enter boxing in such numbers? Why would sweatshop workers spend a $1 to see a match when they earned perhaps $5 a week? Jeffrey Sussman’s answers these questions by focusing on two Jewish world champions, Max Baer and Barney Ross. Others have written at greater length about Baer and Ross, their careers and lives. Sussman, however, focuses on the significance of their popularity. Part American history and part family nostalgia, Sussman’s book deals with what Jews did for boxing and what boxing did for Jews." - Jewish Advocate

"Sussman dutifully recounts how, in a time of the depression and antisemitism, Baer and Ross gave Jews hope and pride. This book hits hard, and is a great read that will make you wish there were more Jewish fighters in the game today." - The Algemeiner