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In the heart of a divided America, a young Cassius Clay emerges not just as a boxer but as a whirlwind of charisma, defiance, and strength. Jonathan Eig's masterful biography, "Ali," peels back the layers of an icon whose name transcends the sport itself. From the poignant struggles of his Louisville roots to the seismic impact of his conversion to Islam and refusal to fight in Vietnam, Ali’s life is a battleground of ideals and identity. Eig had unparalleled access to Ali’s closest confidants and unearthed forgotten tapes and files that paint a vivid portrait of the man who declared, “I am America.” Here lies a story of courage, race, and a relentless quest for personal truth, revealing the untold complexities of a legend who redefined what it means to be great.

Categories

Nonfiction, Sports, Biography, History, Memoir, Politics, Audiobook, Biography Memoir, African American, Race

Content Type

Book

Binding

Hardcover

Year

2017

Publisher

Mariner Books

Language

English

File Download

PDF | EPUB

Ali Plot Summary

Introduction

In the electric atmosphere of Madison Square Garden on March 8, 1971, Muhammad Ali stood across the ring from Joe Frazier in what would be dubbed "The Fight of the Century." This moment encapsulated everything that made Ali extraordinary – his athletic brilliance, his cultural significance, and his unwavering conviction. As the world watched, Ali wasn't just fighting for a championship; he was embodying a revolutionary spirit that had transformed him from a talented boxer into a global icon who transcended his sport. Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in segregated Louisville, Kentucky, Muhammad Ali would grow to become much more than the greatest heavyweight champion in boxing history. He emerged as a voice for civil rights, a conscientious objector to the Vietnam War, and a symbol of religious freedom and Black pride during America's most turbulent era. Through his extraordinary journey, we witness not just the evolution of an athlete, but the transformation of American society itself. Ali's story reveals how one individual's courage to stand on principle can change the world, how athletic excellence can become a platform for social justice, and how personal conviction can inspire generations long after the final bell has rung.

Chapter 1: The Birth of a Champion: From Louisville to Olympic Gold

Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. was born on January 17, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky, during an era of rigid segregation in the American South. Growing up in a modest home with his younger brother Rudolph, young Cassius displayed an energetic personality that would later define his public persona. His introduction to boxing came at age 12 when his bicycle was stolen. Reporting the theft to police officer Joe Martin, who also ran a boxing program, Clay declared he would "whup" whoever took it. Martin suggested the boy learn to fight first, and thus began one of the most extraordinary careers in sports history. Clay's natural talent quickly became evident. His unique style - dancing around opponents with lightning-fast footwork while keeping his hands provocatively low - contradicted conventional boxing wisdom but proved remarkably effective. Under the guidance of trainers Joe Martin and later Angelo Dundee, Clay developed his signature technique: "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee." His amateur career culminated in winning gold at the 1960 Rome Olympics, returning home a national hero at just 18 years old. Despite his Olympic success, many boxing experts remained skeptical when Clay challenged fearsome heavyweight champion Sonny Liston in 1964. Liston was considered virtually unbeatable - a powerful ex-convict with ties to organized crime and a devastating punch. Before the fight, Clay's theatrical antics reached new heights as he taunted Liston relentlessly, calling him "the big ugly bear" and predicting victory in dramatic fashion. The boxing establishment dismissed this as the foolish bravado of a doomed young fighter. What happened on February 25, 1964, shocked the sports world. Clay dominated the fight with his speed and unorthodox style, forcing Liston to quit on his stool after six rounds. In the ring immediately after his victory, the new champion shouted to reporters who had doubted him: "I shook up the world! I'm the greatest! I'm the prettiest!" It was a watershed moment in sports history - not just for the unexpected result, but for what followed. The day after becoming heavyweight champion, Clay announced he had joined the Nation of Islam and would change his name to Muhammad Ali. This decision, along with his friendship with controversial figures like Malcolm X, transformed him from a celebrated athlete into a polarizing cultural figure. White America, which had embraced the charismatic Olympic champion, now viewed him with suspicion and hostility. For Ali, this name change represented more than religious conversion - it was a rejection of what he called his "slave name" and an embrace of his heritage and identity as a Black man in America. Ali's early championship reign showcased both his extraordinary boxing skills and his growing political consciousness. He successfully defended his title nine times between 1964 and 1967, including a rematch with Liston and fights against former champions Floyd Patterson and Ernie Terrell. During this period, his outspoken views on race and religion became increasingly prominent, setting the stage for the defining moment of his early career - his resistance to the Vietnam War draft that would cost him his title and nearly four years of his prime fighting years.

Chapter 2: Becoming Muhammad Ali: Religious Conversion and Identity

Muhammad Ali's conversion to Islam and name change represented far more than a religious decision—it was a profound act of self-determination and resistance against America's racial hierarchy. When he declared, "I don't have to be what you want me to be; I'm free to be what I want," Ali was directly challenging the expectation that Black athletes should remain politically silent and grateful for their success. The name Cassius Clay, he explained, was a "slave name" with no divine meaning, while Muhammad Ali—meaning "worthy of praise" and "high one"—connected him to his African heritage and Islamic faith. The reaction to Ali's conversion was swift and largely negative. Sports columnists who had previously celebrated the charismatic young champion now condemned him. Jimmy Cannon, one of the most influential sportswriters of the era, wrote that Ali had turned boxing into "an instrument of mass hate." The Louisville Sponsoring Group, the consortium of white businessmen who had managed Ali's early career, grew increasingly uncomfortable with his religious affiliation. Even within the Black community, many leaders expressed disappointment. Martin Luther King Jr. remarked that by joining the Black Muslims and advocating racial separation, Ali had become "a champion of racial segregation, and that is what we are fighting against." Ali's relationship with Malcolm X added another layer of complexity to his evolving identity. The two had formed a close friendship, with Malcolm serving as Ali's spiritual mentor during his conversion process. However, when Malcolm broke with Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad in 1964, Ali faced a painful choice. Despite their personal bond, Ali sided with Elijah Muhammad, publicly denouncing Malcolm as "a jailbird who had no education." This decision, which Ali would later describe as one of his greatest regrets, reflected the immense pressure he faced as a young man caught between powerful forces. Throughout this period, Ali remained steadfast in his religious convictions despite the financial and social costs. He adhered to the Nation of Islam's strict dietary rules, prayed five times daily, and embraced their teachings on racial separation. "I don't believe in forcing integration," he explained. "The white people don't want integration. I don't believe in it, and the Muslims don't believe in it." While these views contradicted the mainstream civil rights movement's integrationist approach, they resonated with many Black Americans who had grown disillusioned with the pace of progress through traditional channels. For young Black Americans especially, Ali's willingness to sacrifice popularity for principle made him a powerful symbol of Black pride and independence. As writer Walter Mosley later reflected, "Cassius Clay's declaration had become his own. The Black Pride movement was on, and one of its pillars were those four words: 'I am the greatest.'" By refusing to play the role of the humble, grateful Black athlete, Ali created a new model of Black masculinity—one that was bold, unapologetic, and determined to define itself on its own terms. Ali's transformation challenged Americans to reconsider fundamental questions about identity, religion, and freedom. Was a man not entitled to choose his own name? Could a Black American embrace a faith outside the Christian tradition? Could a sports champion take controversial political positions? Through his insistence on self-definition, Ali forced these questions into the national conversation, expanding the boundaries of what was possible for Black athletes and, by extension, all Black Americans.

Chapter 3: Standing on Principle: Refusing the Vietnam Draft

In early 1966, as the Vietnam War escalated and American casualties mounted, the U.S. Selective Service reclassified Muhammad Ali from 1-Y (qualified for service only in national emergency) to 1-A (available for immediate military service). This reclassification came despite Ali having previously failed the Armed Forces qualifying test twice due to his limited reading and writing skills. The timing raised suspicions that the change was politically motivated—punishment for Ali's controversial religious and racial views. When reporters asked about his potential military service, Ali's response was measured but firm: "I ain't got no quarrel with them Vietcong." This simple statement, delivered without theatrics, represented one of the earliest high-profile objections to the Vietnam War. As his draft date approached, Ali clarified that he would seek classification as a conscientious objector based on his religious beliefs as a Muslim minister. "War is against the teachings of the Holy Qur'an," he explained. "I'm not trying to dodge the draft. We are not supposed to take part in no wars unless declared by Allah or The Messenger." On April 28, 1967, Ali reported as ordered to the Armed Forces Induction Center in Houston but refused to step forward when his name was called. "I ain't got nothing against no Viet Cong," he told reporters afterward. "No Viet Cong ever called me nigger." The consequences were immediate and severe. Within hours, the New York State Athletic Commission suspended his boxing license and stripped him of his heavyweight title. Other boxing commissions quickly followed suit. At 25 years old, in the prime of his athletic career, Muhammad Ali was effectively banned from professional boxing. The legal battle that followed tested Ali's resolve and financial resources. On June 20, 1967, after just 21 minutes of deliberation, an all-white jury found him guilty of draft evasion. Judge Joe Ingraham sentenced Ali to the maximum penalty: five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Though he remained free on appeal, Ali was now a convicted felon, unable to travel abroad and facing the prospect of imprisonment. His income plummeted from millions to a few thousand dollars earned from speaking engagements, primarily at college campuses where the anti-war movement was strongest. Throughout this ordeal, Ali maintained remarkable composure and principle. "I strongly object to the fact that so many newspapers have given the American public and the world the impression that I have only two alternatives in this stand—either I go to jail or go to the Army," he said. "There is another alternative, and that alternative is justice." Despite enormous pressure to compromise, Ali refused all suggestions that he might serve in a non-combat role or give exhibition matches for the troops. His position was absolute: he would not participate in any capacity in what he viewed as an unjust war. For three and a half years, Ali lived in professional exile while his case worked its way through the appeals process. During this period, he supported his family through speaking engagements at colleges and mosques. Though he had lost his title and millions in potential earnings, Ali never expressed regret for his decision. "I would rather be stripped of my title and live in dignity than be the champion without self-respect," he declared. His sacrifice resonated deeply with the growing anti-war movement and with Black Americans who questioned why they should fight for freedoms abroad that they were denied at home. On June 28, 1971, in a unanimous 8-0 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Ali's conviction. The Court ruled narrowly, finding that the government had failed to properly specify why Ali's conscientious objector claim had been denied. Though Ali had won his legal battle, he had sacrificed nearly four years of his prime boxing career—a period when most fighters would have earned their greatest victories and paydays. Yet through this sacrifice, he had achieved something perhaps more valuable: he had transformed from a controversial sports figure into a global symbol of moral courage and conviction.

Chapter 4: Reclaiming the Throne: The Rumble in the Jungle

Muhammad Ali's return to boxing in October 1970 (while his case was still pending before the Supreme Court) marked the beginning of his second act in the sport. Though he had been stripped of his title for refusing military service, Ali had never been defeated in the ring. Now, after three and a half years of forced inactivity during what should have been his physical prime, he faced the daunting task of reclaiming his championship against younger, hungrier opponents who had emerged during his absence. Ali's first major challenge came in March 1971 against Joe Frazier in what was billed as "The Fight of the Century." Both men were undefeated, but Frazier had claimed the heavyweight title during Ali's exile. The bout transcended sport, becoming a cultural referendum on the social and political divisions of the era. Though Ali fought valiantly, he suffered his first professional defeat, losing a unanimous decision after fifteen brutal rounds. The loss revealed something important about Ali - his extraordinary courage and ability to absorb punishment. Despite the defeat, his willingness to endure Frazier's devastating left hooks earned him new respect even from critics. After rebuilding with a series of victories, Ali suffered another setback in March 1973 when Ken Norton broke his jaw and defeated him by split decision. Once again, Ali demonstrated his resilience by winning the rematch six months later. Meanwhile, the heavyweight landscape had changed dramatically when George Foreman destroyed Frazier in two rounds to claim the championship. Foreman seemed invincible - younger, stronger, and more devastating than any heavyweight in memory. Few gave the 32-year-old Ali any chance against this fearsome champion. The title fight was set for October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire (now Democratic Republic of Congo), promoted as "The Rumble in the Jungle." The brainchild of promoter Don King, this unprecedented event brought championship boxing to Africa, with each fighter guaranteed $5 million. For Ali, fighting in Africa held special significance - a spiritual homecoming to the continent from which his ancestors had been taken as slaves. He connected deeply with the Zairian people, who chanted "Ali, bomaye!" ("Ali, kill him!") wherever he went. Against all conventional wisdom, Ali employed what would later be called the "rope-a-dope" strategy. Instead of dancing and using his speed as everyone expected, he leaned against the ropes, covered up, and allowed Foreman to punch himself into exhaustion. It was an incredibly risky approach - absorbing tremendous punishment from perhaps the hardest puncher in heavyweight history. Throughout this onslaught, Ali taunted Foreman: "Is that all you got, George? You're not hitting hard enough!" By the eighth round, Foreman was visibly fatigued. Sensing the moment, Ali suddenly unleashed a lightning combination that sent the exhausted champion crashing to the canvas. The victory was more than just a sporting triumph - it was a masterpiece of psychology, strategy, and courage. At an age when most boxers were in decline, Ali had reclaimed the heavyweight championship against a seemingly unbeatable opponent. The win resonated far beyond boxing, becoming a powerful symbol of resilience and intelligence overcoming brute force. For Black people worldwide, particularly in post-colonial Africa, Ali's victory represented something even more profound - a validation of their own struggles against seemingly insurmountable odds. The Rumble in the Jungle cemented Ali's legend and completed his transformation from controversial figure to global icon. He had returned from exile not just to fight again, but to reclaim his throne against overwhelming odds. In doing so, Muhammad Ali demonstrated that his greatest strength was not his speed or his punch, but his mind - his ability to analyze, adapt, and overcome. The victory in Zaire represented more than a sporting achievement; it was the triumphant culmination of Ali's long struggle against those who had sought to silence him for his political and religious beliefs.

Chapter 5: The Greatest Legacy: Beyond Boxing and Cultural Impact

Muhammad Ali's influence extended far beyond the confines of the boxing ring, transcending sport to reshape American culture and global consciousness. As his athletic career progressed through the 1970s, Ali continued to create memorable moments in boxing - most notably the brutal "Thrilla in Manila" against Joe Frazier in 1975, widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight fights in history. Yet increasingly, his significance lay in what he represented rather than simply what he accomplished as an athlete. Ali pioneered a new model of the Black athlete in America. Before him, most successful Black sports figures were expected to remain humble, grateful, and apolitical. Jack Johnson had challenged these expectations in the early 20th century and was destroyed for it; Jackie Robinson had largely accepted them as the price of integration. Ali charted a different course - he was unapologetically Black, unflinchingly outspoken, and unwilling to separate his athletic prowess from his political and religious convictions. "I don't have to be what you want me to be," he insisted, creating space for generations of athletes who would follow his example in using their platforms for social justice. His impact on the civil rights movement and Black identity was equally profound. Though Ali's affiliation with the Nation of Islam initially put him at odds with mainstream civil rights leaders who advocated integration, his stance embodied an emerging Black consciousness that emphasized pride, self-determination, and cultural affirmation. As the movement evolved through the late 1960s and 1970s, Ali's early positions appeared increasingly prescient. His rejection of his "slave name" and embrace of his Islamic faith represented a reclamation of identity that resonated deeply with many Black Americans seeking to connect with their heritage and define themselves on their own terms. In the realm of popular culture, Ali's influence was revolutionary. His verbal style - combining braggadocio, clever rhymes, and penetrating social commentary - prefigured elements of hip-hop and transformed how athletes presented themselves publicly. "I am the greatest!" wasn't just boasting; it was a radical assertion of Black excellence in a society that routinely diminished African American achievement. Ali's physical beauty, charisma, and gift for performance made him a natural media star in the television age. His interviews and press conferences became must-see events where sports, politics, race, and entertainment converged in unprecedented ways. As Ali's boxing career wound down in the late 1970s, his humanitarian work expanded. Despite his deteriorating health due to Parkinson's syndrome (diagnosed in 1984 and likely caused by the punishment he absorbed in the ring), Ali traveled tirelessly to deliver food and medical supplies to children in Indonesia and Mexico, raise awareness about poverty in South America, and support refugees in Kosovo. In 1990, he negotiated the release of American hostages in Iraq through personal diplomacy with Saddam Hussein. These efforts revealed the compassionate core beneath Ali's flamboyant public persona and demonstrated how thoroughly he had internalized the Islamic principles of charity and service. Perhaps most remarkably, Ali achieved a level of global recognition and admiration that transcended national, cultural, and religious boundaries. From villages in Africa to cities in Asia, he was instantly recognizable and beloved. This universal appeal stemmed from his authenticity - despite his fame, Ali remained accessible, generous with his time, and genuinely interested in connecting with ordinary people. Whether performing magic tricks for children in hospital wards or stopping to talk with fans on the street, he maintained a common touch that belied his extraordinary status. The ultimate measure of Ali's cultural impact can be seen in how completely public perception of him transformed over his lifetime. The man who was once condemned as unpatriotic, dangerous, and divisive came to be celebrated as the embodiment of American courage and conviction. When he lit the Olympic torch at the 1996 Atlanta Games, his hands trembling from Parkinson's disease, it represented more than personal triumph over physical adversity - it symbolized America's reconciliation with one of its most challenging and ultimately prophetic voices.

Chapter 6: Fighting Parkinson's: Dignity in the Face of Decline

In 1984, three years after his retirement from boxing, Muhammad Ali was diagnosed with Parkinson's syndrome, a progressive neurological condition that would gradually rob him of his physical grace and his most famous attribute - his voice. The diagnosis was particularly cruel for a man whose identity had been so deeply connected to his physical prowess and verbal dexterity. Yet in facing this challenge, Ali revealed the same courage and dignity that had characterized his boxing career and political stands. Medical experts generally believe Ali's condition resulted from the thousands of punches he absorbed during his 21-year professional career. Particularly damaging were his later fights, when his reflexes had slowed and he absorbed more punishment. The "rope-a-dope" strategy that helped him defeat George Foreman, in which he deliberately allowed his opponent to punch him while covering up against the ropes, may have contributed to his neurological damage. The brutal trilogy with Joe Frazier, especially the punishing "Thrilla in Manila," also took a severe toll. As his former ring physician Ferdie Pacheco noted, "Ali absorbed the equivalent of 200,000 punches during his career." The early symptoms were subtle - a slight slurring of speech, occasional trembling in his hands, and a facial mask that sometimes hid his expressions. Over time, these symptoms worsened. His once-rapid speech slowed to a whisper. The hands that had once delivered lightning-fast combinations now shook uncontrollably. His walk, once so light and graceful, became a shuffle. The medications that helped control his symptoms often left him drowsy or nauseated. Yet through it all, Ali maintained his sense of humor and perspective. Rather than retreating from public view, Ali chose to make his condition part of his legacy. At the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, when he lit the Olympic flame with visibly trembling hands, he provided one of the Games' most memorable moments. This appearance, watched by billions worldwide, did more to raise awareness of Parkinson's than perhaps any medical campaign could have achieved. As his wife Lonnie later explained, "Muhammad never hid from the world. He always felt that even with Parkinson's, he had a purpose - to show people that you can continue to live a dignified and productive life." Ali established the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center in Phoenix, Arizona, which has become a leading treatment and research facility. He raised millions for Parkinson's research through charity appearances and fundraising events. Even as his condition worsened, he continued to travel extensively, meeting with world leaders and ordinary people alike. When asked if he regretted boxing given its likely role in causing his condition, Ali typically responded that boxing had given him a platform to promote causes far more important than any sport. Those close to Ali noted that while Parkinson's affected his physical abilities, his mental acuity and spiritual awareness remained sharp. He developed a more contemplative nature, spending hours reading religious texts and philosophical works. The man who had once proclaimed "I am the greatest!" now found greatness in quiet perseverance. As his daughter Hana observed, "In some ways, Parkinson's made my father more accessible. People who might have been intimidated by his physical presence or verbal skills now saw his vulnerability. They connected with him on a deeper level."

Chapter 7: Global Ambassador: Humanitarian Work and Reconciliation

As Muhammad Ali's boxing career came to an end in the early 1980s, he embarked on a remarkable second act as a global humanitarian and peace ambassador. This transformation from controversial athlete to beloved world citizen represents one of the most extraordinary public journeys in modern history. The man who had once been vilified for his political stances and religious conversion became an international symbol of reconciliation and compassion, using his unparalleled fame to advance causes ranging from poverty relief to interfaith understanding. Ali's evolution as a humanitarian was closely tied to his spiritual journey. After Elijah Muhammad's death in 1975, Ali followed the Nation of Islam's transition toward orthodox Sunni Islam under the leadership of Wallace Muhammad (later Warith Deen Muhammad). This shift broadened Ali's religious perspective, moving him away from the Black separatist teachings of the Nation toward a more universal understanding of Islam that emphasized racial harmony and global brotherhood. In 1989, he made a pilgrimage to Mecca, an experience that deepened his commitment to Islamic principles of charity and service to humanity. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Ali traveled extensively to countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, often at his own expense and despite his worsening Parkinson's symptoms. He delivered food and medical supplies to children in Indonesia and Morocco, supported famine relief in Sudan, and raised funds for various humanitarian organizations. These efforts transcended politics and religion, demonstrating Ali's commitment to alleviating suffering regardless of national or sectarian boundaries. As he explained, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." Perhaps Ali's most dramatic humanitarian intervention came in 1990, just before the first Gulf War. Despite having no official diplomatic status, he traveled to Iraq and secured the release of 15 American hostages through personal negotiations with Saddam Hussein. This remarkable achievement demonstrated Ali's unique ability to transcend political boundaries through the force of his personality and moral authority. As one of the freed hostages later remarked, "No one else could have done what Muhammad Ali did. He reached Saddam Hussein in a way no politician could have." Ali's work as a reconciliation figure extended to his personal relationships as well. Former opponents like Joe Frazier and George Foreman, once bitter rivals, became friends and admirers. Even those who had condemned Ali for his stance against the Vietnam War came to respect his principled sacrifice. This evolution was perhaps most powerfully symbolized when President George W. Bush awarded Ali the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2005 - a Republican president honoring a man whose anti-war stance had once been considered treasonous by many conservatives. In his later years, Ali became increasingly devoted to promoting interfaith understanding. Though a committed Muslim, he emphasized the common values shared by different religious traditions and rejected extremism in all forms. After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, despite his limited ability to speak, Ali made a public statement condemning the violence as contrary to true Islamic teachings. "Rivers, ponds, lakes and streams - they all have different names, but they all contain water," he observed. "Just as religions do - they all contain truths." The Muhammad Ali Center, established in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky, embodies Ali's vision for his legacy. Rather than simply celebrating his boxing achievements, the center focuses on his core values: confidence, conviction, dedication, respect, giving, and spirituality. Through educational programs and exhibitions, it works to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to find their own greatness and contribute to a more peaceful world. As Ali explained, "I've always wanted to be more than just a boxer. More than just the three-time heavyweight champion. I wanted to use my fame, and this face that everyone knows so well, to help uplift and inspire people around the world." By the time of his death on June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali had achieved a unique status in global culture. The controversial figure who had once been reviled by much of America was now universally celebrated. His funeral in Louisville drew dignitaries from across the religious and political spectrum - a testament to how completely Ali had transcended the divisions of his earlier life. Through his humanitarian work and personal example, the man once known for his fighting had become one of the world's most effective ambassadors for peace.

Summary

Muhammad Ali's life journey from brash young boxer to global humanitarian icon represents one of the most extraordinary transformations in modern cultural history. His evolution from the controversial Cassius Clay who "shook up the world" by defeating Sonny Liston in 1964, to the principled conscientious objector who sacrificed his title rather than compromise his beliefs, to the beloved elder statesman who lit the Olympic flame with trembling hands in 1996, reflects America's own complicated journey through the late 20th century. Throughout his life, Ali remained true to his famous declaration: "I don't have to be what you want me to be." The essence of Ali's legacy lies in his unwavering authenticity and moral courage. When he proclaimed "I am the greatest," it wasn't merely boastfulness but a radical assertion of Black excellence and self-worth in a society that routinely diminished African Americans. When he refused military induction, stating "I ain't got no quarrel with them Viet Cong," he connected America's foreign wars with its domestic racial injustice in ways that challenged conventional patriotism. Even in his final battle with Parkinson's disease, Ali demonstrated that physical decline need not diminish one's dignity or purpose. For anyone seeking to live with principle in a complex world, Ali offers this enduring lesson: true greatness comes not from victories alone, but from the willingness to stand for something larger than oneself, even at great personal cost.

Best Quote

“Ali was everything everybody wanted their child to be, except some ignorant-ass white folks, and they don’t count” ― Jonathan Eig, Ali: A Life

Review Summary

Strengths: The review highlights the strength of Jonathan Eig’s writing, particularly in making a sport-themed book appealing to non-sports fans by focusing on Muhammad Ali as a cultural icon. The biography is described as riveting and sobering, effectively separating fact from legend and capturing Ali's life story with depth.\nOverall Sentiment: Enthusiastic\nKey Takeaway: Jonathan Eig’s biography of Muhammad Ali is praised for its compelling narrative and ability to engage readers beyond sports enthusiasts, offering a nuanced portrayal of Ali's life, his triumphs over segregation, and his personal challenges.

About Author

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Jonathan Eig

Jonathan Eig is the author of six books, four of them New York Times best sellers, as well as four books for children. He is a former reporter for The Wall Street Journal. His works have been translated into more than a dozen languages.His most recent book is "King: A Life." His previous book, Ali: A Life," was the winner of the PEN Award and hailed as an "epic" by Joyce Carol Oates in her New York Times review.His other books are: "Luckiest Man: The Life and Death of Lou Gehrig;" "Opening Day: The Story of Jackie Robinson's First Season;" "Get Capone;" and "The Birth of the Pill."Jonathan served as consulting producer on the Ken Burns PBS documentary on Muhammad Ali.

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Ali

By Jonathan Eig

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