Published: December 04, 2008 08:19 pm         

Life story of boxer Charles ‘Bud’ Taylor told in ‘The Terror of Terre Haute’

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.