The Prince of Jockeys: The Life of Isaac Burns Murphy explores the extraordinary life and career of one of the nineteenth century's most important exemplars of African American potentiality. Murphy was born during slavery and died at the beginning of Jim Crow segregation—one of the many crossroads in America's social, economic, and political development—and his life followed the contours of American history. He was raised among people who took seriously the promises of the Declaration of Independence, and Isaac's achievements were a testament to the commitment of Lexington's African American c ... More

The Prince of Jockeys: The Life of Isaac Burns Murphy explores the extraordinary life and career of one of the nineteenth century's most important exemplars of African American potentiality. Murphy was born during slavery and died at the beginning of Jim Crow segregation—one of the many crossroads in America's social, economic, and political development—and his life followed the contours of American history. He was raised among people who took seriously the promises of the Declaration of Independence, and Isaac's achievements were a testament to the commitment of Lexington's African American community to the future success of its children. Teachers, ministers, and common folks grounded the boy's understanding of his own achievements as a sign of the progress and advancement of all blacks. It is clear that Isaac knew he represented the people he came from, and he honored the past by remaining a part of the Lexington community. Key to Isaac's success was the educated, beautiful Lucy Murphy, who helped shape her husband into the “elegant specimen of manhood” he became. Both Isaac and Lucy were instrumental in elevating the occupation of professional jockey to the level of doctor or lawyer. They had a great impact on their friends and outside observers, who viewed Murphy as the quintessential jockey whose legendary status grew with every victory, every quote published, and every dignified likeness produced for public consumption.