Fighter, Champion, Paradox, Hero...Icon: Hauser's Ali
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First published in 1991, Thomas Hauser's extraordinary biography
preceded the so-called "Renaissance" of Muhammad Ali that followed his torch-lighting appearance at the Olympic Games in 1996. Since then, an army of books have jumped into publication
aiming to capture the 'true' Ali. Constant revisioning
of Ali's life and his influential presence in the world today
means that journalists across the world always have something to
write about when discussing or debating the importance of the man who is now affirmed by millions as "The Greatest".Yet, Hauser's book remains for many the definitive account of the story of Muhammad Ali - a deep, complex and inspiring account of an undoubtedly deep, complex and inspiring man, peeling off the myth and gloss of Ali's "autobiography"
THE GREATEST which (along with the subsequent film) has been
largely criticised over the years for presenting a fictionalized
and 'saintly' image of Ali. Hauser does not fall into the trap of saint-making; we read about Ali's rejection of Malcolm X, his torture of Patterson and
Terrell, his "bullying" of Frazier. We also read of a man who is a paradox: a man who stood up to the U.S. Government, sacrificed his title and faced the angst of America at a time when public figures like were being picked off one by one, yet
was manipulated and abused by those closest to him to the extent that his finances and ultimately physical health was almost sapped. Yet, it is a credit to Hauser that in spite of his avoidance of saint-making the reader comes away seeing exactly why he (and now most of the world) recognise him as "The Greatest".
A fighter of incredible physical ability and mental strength,
who gained a life-time ambition but sacrificied it when he was
at the peak of his powers, and against all the odds when he was
regarded as the emblem of a bygone era. And yet, in both times of injustice and joy, was always ready to make people laugh, encourage to believe in themselves and to teach them about the
important things in life.
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"I am the greatest"
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Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times offers a completely unbias, eye opening account into the life of the sports personality of the century. What makes this book so unbias is the way the stories are told by the people closest to him...... the people he fought, the people who trained him, the people he dedicated his life to and the women he married. Some of the quotes will open up a side to Muhammad not captured by any previous documentary or archieved clip. From reading this book you will understand as i did that Cassuis Clay, behind the attention seeking, headline grabbing exterior lies one of the most sincere, honest and generous people and not to mention the most naturally gifted athlete ever to walk the globe. He has done unmeasureable things for the black community and stood up for what he truely believed despite any consequences he may be subjected to. I firmly believe he is worthy of his title 'Sports Personality of The Century'------- Dan Talbot, bored student whos just read his first book!
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No Holds Barred
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This is a simply fantastic portrait of the great man. Hauser takes us through Ali's life but 90% of the book is made up of first hand recollections from the participants. Wives, girlfriends, opponents, referees, lawyers, promoters, friends, Ali himself all tell the story of the Ali's life. Everyone, friend or foe, contributes and no stone is left unturned. Utterly fascinating from start to finish and a biography worthy of Muhammad Ali. Even if you have no interest in the noble art this is worth reading to gain an full portrait of one of the 20th century's icons.
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The legend Lives On!!!
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Of all the Ali autobiographies Thomas Hausers effort must rank as the best, no in fact it is the best! I've read all the other efforts on the living legend which is Ali and no other book takes such an in depth look at his life. I was particulary impressed with the information given on and by many of Ali's close associates, many of whom are unkown to the public. If you enjoy a good read or like me love Ali its a fabulous book.
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Simply the best account of the great man's life
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As a commited fan of Muhammed Ali as a boxer and campaigner, I have made it my business to read almost every book on him that has been publshed. This was one of the first and without doubt the best. Utilising long, personal thoughts and oppinions on him by those who knew him best, it is not only a record of his life, but a penetrating and heartfelt exploration of everything that made him into what he is. Whilst the author himself writes comparitively little, he skillfully and sensitively compiles thoughts from his friends, family, Ali himself and Joe Frazier (arguably the only man who has met him not to fit in to the other catergories!). Nothing is left unsaid and no issues avoided in this, one of the finest biographies imaginable. You are not a fan until you have read this.
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