cover image Jack Kid Berg

Jack Kid Berg

John Harding. Robson Books, $24 (0pp) ISBN 978-0-86051-441-1

Born Judah Bergman in the poverty-rife Whitechapel section of London's East End in 1909, Berg used the appellation ``Kid'' when he started boxing, and it was apt, since he was only 14. A dynamo both in and out of the ring, he had a furious energy that served him well as a fighter and made him a favorite of ring enthusiasts. In a 36-year career he entered the ring for more than 200 fights, and won the world junior welterweight championship and the British lightweight crown. After retiring from boxing he became a restaurateur for a time, then worked in films for 30 years as both an actor and a stunt man. Writing in collaboration with his subject, Harding, who teaches communications in London, does a splendid job of re-creating the American and British boxing worlds, and although today's fans may not be interested in reading about Berg's career, he comes across as exceedingly likable and a captivating man. Illustrations. (Aug.)