Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #80302 in Books
• Published on: 2004-10-21
• Binding: Paperback
• 544 pages

Synopsis
One of the most recognisable, respected and inspirational men on earth, Muhammad Ali is the world's most famous boxing hero. Ali brought unprecedented speed and grace to the sport, and his charm and wit changed forever what the world expects of a champion athlete. In the words of over two hundred of Ali's family members, associates, opponents, friends and enemies, this comprehensive and honest portrait relates his legendary sporting accomplishments, as well as the high drama of life outside the boxing ring. From Olympic gold in Rome, to stunning victory over George Foreman in Zaire, every historic victory and defeat of Ali's career is covered. His controversial embrace of the Nation of Islam - with the renunciation of his 'slave name', Cassius Clay - and the historic refusal to be inducted into the US Army makes for compelling reading. Ali became America's first national conscientious objector, and with a willingness to stage his fights in Third World locales, he continued his advocacy for people in need which was honoured in 2000 when he became a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

Charismatic, dedicated and a skilful self-publicist, Ali is the living embodiment of the American Dream. This is the biography to match his achievements.

Customer Reviews

Meticulous and Moving
As the title to this review suggests, the research behind this biography is mightily impressive. A great way to get the measure of the man, by taking accounts from various people from Ali's massive (understatement) entourage on events big and small through his life and boxing career.

If you view Ali with wonderment then this book will not only reinforce that view, it will leave you feeling as though you actually know the man yourself. You'll laugh and smile at the much publicised poems and fight predictions that were his trademark, but you also find that this great sporting and social hero was at times ruthlessly exploited, with his so called friends taking liberties with his generosity.

Fascinating insight
This is a weighty and worthwhile biography. The research is superb and the quotes from those around Ali highly entertaining and insightful. The anecdotes are interesting and amusing.

Anyone with any vague interest in either boxing, success, showbiz, politics or American history will love this book.