Greatest of All Time. a Tribute to Muhammad Ali - by Taschen (Hardcover)

About the Book

Containing thousands of images--photography, art, and memorabilia, much of it published for the first time--as well as original essays and writing of the last five decades, this monumental chronicle of Muhammad Ali is available in an affordable, unlimited edition.

Book Synopsis

Greatest of All Time: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali is not just a book; it is a testament to the extraordinary life of one of the world's most famous athletes. GOAT delves into the intricate layers of Ali's existence, tracing Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr.'s journey from his humble beginnings navigating segregation and financial hardship in Louisville, Kentucky, to his evolution into the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.

Essays by those closest to him reveal stories behind monumental fights like those with Sonny Liston, the Rumble in the Jungle against George Foreman, and Thrilla in Manila against Joe Frazier. The book also explores Ali's signature fighting style, which, when paired with his rapper-style wit, positioned him as a charismatic figure inside and outside the ring.

Beyond boxing, GOAT weaves together Ali's historic moments with his resilience against discrimination and his determination to confront racial inequities. His triumph at the 1960 Rome Olympics was marred by hostility, underscoring the racial tensions he faced; Ali boldly challenged these prevailing biases. The boxer's embrace of Islam became a cornerstone of his moral standards, guiding his principles against racism, inequality, and undue violence, with the latter informing his staunch opposition to the Vietnam War.

Interspersed between these accounts are thousands of historical documents and images of Ali, including the boxer's documentarian-turned-confidant Howard Bingham's intimate snapshots, Neil Leifer and Flip Schulke's iconic pictures, and Hank Kaplan's archival contributions. Stills from Leon Gast's film 'When We Were Kings', which told the story of Ali's pivotal 1974 fight, are also included in the volume.

GOAT is a heartfelt homage to a boxing legend, exploring Muhammad Ali's indomitable spirit and celebrating his enduring impact on civil rights, sports, and culture.

Review Quotes

"GOAT sets whole new standards. Books such as these shatter conventions and exert a fascination often only associated with other branches: eccentric and unforgettable."-- "Buchmarkt"

"A monument on paper, the most megalomaniacal book in the history of civilization, the biggest, heaviest, most radiant thing ever printed--Ali's last victory."-- "Der Spiegel"

"Published by TASCHEN, this latest release contains a complete record of Ali's career, essays by leading writers and hundreds more remarkable images. It is all the Ali you need."-- "Red Bulletin"