Rating: 
Summary: Well-written and interesting book about Ali, race & politics
Review: Like Lenin's and Resurrection, Remnick's new book on "the greatest" not the smartest, is well-written and interesting. It places Ali in his historical context by first introducing us to Floyd Patterson and Sonny Liston. His book reminds us that Ali was a very controversial figure in the first half of his career. The book is really about race and politics interwoven with an excellent overview of boxing. I only wish Remnick would have focused a little more on what Ali did when he was banned from boxing from 1967-71 while fighting the draft and why he was banned from boxing during these years. I think he should have explained the basis for the Supreme Court's 1971 ruling in Ali's favor. I highly recommend the book. Amazon gives a great discount.
Rating: 
Summary: Best contextual study of the impact of Ali in sports society
Review: Resnick does a suberb job of putting Ali's achievements into the context of boxing and society. He does this in the context of the Ali-Liston fight. This includes an indepth analysis of the Mafia influences on boxing at the time of their fight. By doing this, he is able to show the dramatic change which Ali broght to his sport. More interstingly, he presents the thesis that Ali was not only able to master his sport but the difficulty of being a champion outside the ring. The paradox of this is that he was much maligned while champion particuliarly with respct to the draft issue. However, in hindsight Ali has proved himself a leader and changer of the world. Ali strove to be and became "King of the World".
Rating:
Summary: Especially good as background to the movie "Ali"
Review: While I enjoyed the movie "Ali" very much, its narrative drive does get a bit foggy at times. This is an excellent book that covers the times in which Ali grew up and effectively uses the differences between Patterson, Liston, and Ali as a way of illustrating the diverse atmosphere of race relations in America in the forties, fifties, and especially the sixties. The author gives us important insight into why Ali is so special as an athlete and as a cultural icon. He shows us not only his physical powers, but also his inner strength and resolve. This is all shown without glossing over Ali's weaknesses and failings.However, Ali's weaknesses and failings are simply part of the human condition. His desire to be a force for good in this world, to help others, and above all, to be free, are inspiring to read about and to contemplate. That he was able to remain true to himself and his beliefs in the face of incredible pressure from all sides is proof of his historical worth. This is a book worth reading and especially now as background to the movie "Ali". There are also wonderful pictures that show how remarkable Ali really was in his prime.
Rating:
Summary: Death of One of My Heroes...
Review: For me, this book should have been titled "Death of One of My Heroes," which should become self-evident if you read this entire review. I believe the book is mostly accurate, and it is a well-written book.
Remnick (the author), in my opinion, devotes too much time to Floyd Patterson and Sonny Liston. I also wish he had given more details about Ali as Ali got older and continued to box.
Without question, Muhammad Ali, in his prime, was the greatest heavyweight fighter that has ever fought.
"DEATH OF ONE OF MY HEROES": I did not realize how much Ali allowed the Nation of Islam (NOI) to influence him. Because he let the NOI influence him--yes, Ali DID have a choice!!!--Muhammad Ali: (1)lied about throwing his Olympic medal over a fence, (2)divorced his first wife, (3)broke off a friendship with Malcolm X, and (4)claimed to be a "minister" to avoid the draft. If you think the above describes a "hero," your definition of "hero" differs from mine.
The book is good. Unfortunately, it killed one of my heroes.
Buy it and read it. It is well worth the $$$.
Rating: 
Summary: Liston, Patterson.
Review: Covers three fights: Liston, Liston, Patterson. Much discussion of those opponents. More sport and less deadening Black Muslim/Malcolm X would have been better. Mentions Patterson's "vacances au soliel." Who the hell do you think is reading this book?
Rating:
Summary: Being on Top
Review: David Remnick was an amazing author when it came to writing this book. He used great details including interviews for people, stories about fighters, and Muhammad Ali's life and career. The book begins with days before Ali discussing Floyd Patterson and Sonny Liston. In great detail, Remnick talks about those two fighting and then he works into Muhammad Ali's career. The author's veracity was never called into question by me. Remnick's many references and thoughts made me seem like I was in the story. Remnick captures the legacy of Muhammad Ali and really portrays his life well. Remnick explains how Ali came to be and the road he took as he battled his way through life as well as in the ring.
Rating:
Summary: Shows the kind of person Muhammad was
Review: I've heard many people say that this book isn't very well written due to that fact that it isn't on his whole life. There are things left out like the Thrilla in Manilla and the Rumble in the Jungle. You could say that (because it is true) but that isn't the point of the story. David Remnick didn't want to go into Ali's entire career and life because of the point he was trying to make. All he needed to do was to do that first part of his life to make the point. I think that Remnick does the best job at writing about Ali's life and what he did for Americans. I gie this book 5 stars.
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