The definitive biography of an American icon, from a New York Timesbest-selling author with unique access to Alis inner circle

He was the wittiest, the prettiest, the strongest, the bravest, and, of course, the greatest (as he told us himself). Muhammad Ali was one of the twentieth centurys most fantastic figures and arguably the most famous man on the planet.

But until now, he has never been the subject of a complete, unauthorized biography. Jonathan Eig, hailed by Ken Burns as one of Americas master storytellers, radically reshapes our understanding of the complicated man who was Ali. Eig had access to all the key people in Alis life, including his three surviving wives and his managers. He conducted more than 500 interviews and uncovered thousands of pages of previously unreleased FBI and Justice Department files, as well dozens of hours of newly discovered audiotaped interviews from the 1960s. Collectively, they tell Alis story like never beforethe story of a man who was flawed and uncertain and brave beyond belief.

I am America, he once declared. I am the part you wont recognize. But get used to meblack, confident, cocky; my name, not yours; my religion, not yours; my goals, my own. Get used to me.

He was born Cassius Clay in racially segregated Louisville, Kentucky, the son of a sign painter and a housekeeper. He went on to become aheavyweight boxer with a dazzling mix of power and speed, a warrior for racial pride, a comedian, a preacher, a poet, a draft resister, an actor, and a lover. Millions hated him when he changed his religion, changed his name, and refused to fight in the Vietnam War. He fought his way back, winning hearts, but at great cost. Like so many boxers, he stayed too long.

Jonathan EigsAlireveals Ali in the complexity he deserves, shedding important new light on his politics, religion, personal life, and neurological condition.Aliis a story about America, about race, about a brutal sport, and about a courageous man who shook up the world.

Published : October 2, 2018

Language : English

Paperback : 672 pages

Lexile measure : 1090L