Ali: A Life by Jonathan Eig is a biography of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The book covers Ali’s life from his childhood in Louisville, Kentucky, to his death in 2016. It delves deep into his personal life, his boxing career, and his impact on society. The book is an intimate portrait of a man who was complex, charismatic, and controversial. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to know more about one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Chapter Summaries
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Chapter 1: The Making of a Champion
This chapter introduces the reader to Muhammad Ali’s childhood in Louisville, Kentucky. It covers his upbringing in a religious household, his early interest in boxing, and how he was discovered by a local boxing coach. The chapter also touches on his early successes in the ring and how he became known as “The Louisville Lip.”
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Chapter 2: The Olympics and the Army
In this chapter, the reader learns about Ali’s participation in the 1960 Olympics in Rome, where he won a gold medal in boxing. The chapter also covers his decision to join the Army after the Olympics and how his refusal to be drafted into the Vietnam War led to his banishment from boxing for three years.
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Chapter 3: The Rise of Cassius Clay
This chapter focuses on Ali’s early career as a professional boxer, including his ups and downs in the ring. It also covers his conversion to Islam and how it influenced his personal life and boxing career.
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Chapter 4: The Louisville Spitting Incident
This chapter recounts a controversy that arose when Ali was accused of spitting in the direction of white spectators during a fight in his hometown of Louisville. The incident caused a backlash against Ali and led to a decline in his popularity.
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Chapter 5: The Fight of the Century
In this chapter, the reader learns about the build-up to the famous fight between Ali and Sonny Liston, which took place in 1964. The chapter covers the controversy surrounding the fight, including allegations of fix
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