The Magnificent Max Baer

<p> Boxing might not have survived the 1930s if not for Max Baer. A contender for every heavyweight championship 1932-1941 California's Glamour Boy brought back the million-dollar gate not seen since the 1920s. His radio voice sold millions of Gillette razor blades; his leading-man appeal made him a heartthrob in <I>The Prizefighter and the Lady</I> (1933). The film was banned in Nazi Germany--Baer had worn a Star of David on his trunks when he TKOed German former champ Max Schmeling.</p><p> Baer defeated 275-pound Primo Carnera in 1934 for the championship losing it to Jim Braddock the next year. Contrary to <I>Cinderella Man</I> (2005) Baer--favored 10 to 1--was not a villain and the fight was more controversial than the film suggested. His battle with Joe Louis three months later drew the highest gate of the decade.</p><p> This first comprehensive biography covers Baer's complete ring record his early life his career on radio film stage and television and his World War II army service.</p>