The life story of boxer Charles “Bud” Taylor is told in “The Terror of Terre Haute,” a 332-page biography by John D. Wright now available locally.
The book chronicles the life and times of one of Terre Haute’s biggest sports celebrities. Taylor (1903-62) boxed from 1920 to 1931 — including 30 times in Terre Haute – and Wright’s book contains many anecdotes about his career and the people and places of his home city.
Taylor grew up in the Liberty Avenue-Tippecanoe Avenue area of the city’s near north side and lived in the city throughout his entire boxing career of 166 fights.
Taylor’s career had sky highs — he reigned as world bantamweight champion 1926-28 and had the adoration of fans not only in Terre Haute, but worldwide. It also had its lows — two opponents died from his blows, and Taylor suffered a difficult time adjusting to life after boxing.
Wright, 52, a copy editor at the Tribune-Star, spent four years of his own time researching and writing, traveling to Los Angeles and New York among other cities. It’s his first book, and the first-ever biography of Taylor.
“I’m surprised the story hasn’t been told before,” Wright says. “Taylor’s life story has bits of everything — poverty, perseverance, tragedy, and triumph against the odds. Ultimately, I think, most people will view Taylor foremost as an extraordinary athlete. He had a tremendous will to win.”
Taylor’s closest living relatives are a son-in-law in California and a niece in Florida. Wright said he interviewed Taylor’s son, Bud Taylor Jr. of Atlanta, a dozen times before Taylor Jr.’s death two years ago.
Wright will sign books 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today downtown in Book Nation; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the Vigo County Public Library’s main branch. The book is also available at www.budboxer.com, Baesler’s, BookNation and PaceSetter Sports. Or, call Wright at (812) 229-4250 anytime before Christmas and he will hand-deliver a signed copy for cash customers within the city limits. The book costs $20.
• Sullivan author Robin Overton will sign copies of his first novel, “Belaquin,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday in Waldenbooks in Honey Creek Mall.
Overton wrote his fantasy epic while working as a paramedic for the past 19 years.
“Belaquin,” published in 2007, is filled with post-apocalyptic adventures of danger and discovery where the defense of peace pushes the limits of human endurance.
• Southern-born author Patti Lacy will sign copies of her new release, “An Irishwoman’s Tale,” from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday in Waldenbooks.
Lacy, who has lived in the Midwest for 13 years, started writing the novel in 2005.
While the book takes place in Ireland, parts of it are set in Terre Haute. It is a harrowing adventure that spans two continents and culminates in a rescue scene on storied Irish peak Croagh Patrick.
For more details on either event, call Dorothy Buck at (812) 232-0271.
Arts
Life story of boxer Charles ‘Bud’ Taylor told in ‘The Terror of Terre Haute’
- Arts
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Actor to portray Lincoln at dinner for historical society
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BOOKS: Wabash Valley author to sign books at Java Haute on Saturday
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LTC offers murder mystery, singing valentines
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Chase away winter blues at Harlan Hall Sock Hop
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Halcyon features Petra Nyendick, Ray Chen this month
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Enter 2012 Max Ehrmann Poetry Competition by Feb. 24
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Swope achieves coveted accreditation
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One of Clabber Girl’s own showcases photography at museum
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Museums and Exhibitions: Dec. 15, 2011
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‘Gilligan’s Island of Death’ up next at Castle Finn dinner theater
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Christmas comedy opens Friday at Old Town Players in Vincennes
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‘The Swan’ captures imagination of 10-year-old boy circa 1957
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River City to feature artist Don Turner in January
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See ‘A Christmas Carol’ on Tilson stage at ISU
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CT presents ‘A Christmas Story’
That favorite holiday movie classic, “A Christmas Story,” comes to life on the stage of Community Theatre of Terre Haute this month under the direction of Tina Thomas.
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ISU students create plays inspired by Swope collection
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‘Whiter-Morn’ exhibition at Bicentennial Art Center in Paris
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Rose fall exhibit showcases textile art, landscape paintings
Hoosier artists Julie Sermersheim and Jerry Smith are featured in the fall exhibition that cover the renovated hallways of Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s Moench Hall. The main campus classroom building hosts large exhibits each fall and spring to showcase Wabash Valley and Indiana artists.
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