A Man of Fire and Grace: ARTHUR ASHE (1943-1993)

There were so many long odds and so many graceful triumphs in the lifetime of Arthur Ashe. More than seem plausible for a black youngster from segregated Richmond, Virginia, whose ticket to worldwide renown and recognition was punched in a sport that was almost the definition of a game for whites. More than seem reasonable for a man who suffered the first of several heart attacks at age 36, while at the peak of his considerable game. More than seemed attainable to stunned observers who wept with him in April of last year when he announced (under the pressure of a...