From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. This biography, made up almost entirely of quotes from Muhammad Ali, serves as an important and apt reminder of how daring, outspoken, witty and relevant the boxing champ was and continues to be. Editor and designer Lois tells the athlete's story chronologically, beginning with his first words, "Gee-gee," a nickname his mother called him for the rest of her life. While there are plenty of asides, insults and rallying cries, including the famous "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee," Lois also includes a number of one-two narratives, including the young boxer's reaction to a newspaper photo of lynching victim Emmet Till ("It made me sick, and it scared me") and the time Ali stayed in a U.K. hotel suite next door to Prince Charles (when Ali knocked on the door, the butler curtly remarked that they had not ordered room service). While Ali had a lot to say about boxing, courage and himself (his favorite subject), he also had plenty to say about civil rights, religion and the Vietnam War. Each quote is married with an apt image, including the landmark Esquire cover in which the champ is portrayed as Saint Sebastian, with a chest full of arrows-only this reproduction is smartly annotated with the champ's own list of his tormentors (including Lyndon Johnson and Robert McNamara). Lois's combination of words and images serves as an eloquent, swift and surprisingly nuanced biography of one of America's most important citizens.
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Book Description
Before there was hip-hop: from the publisher that brought you the biggest book on Ali, here comes the smallest This book contains over 300 rap rhythms, witticisms, insults, wisecracks, politically incorrect quips, courageous stands and words of inspiration from the mind, heart and soul of the brash young Cassius Clay, as he steadily grew into the magnificent man who is Muhammad Ali. From a narcissistic self-promoter who eventually became a man of enduring spirituality through a journey of formidable tests, Ali has emerged as a true superhero in the annals of American history, and the Worldwide Ambassador of Courage and Conviction. This fresh, first-person book serves as a hilarious and moving hands-on autobiography by Muhammad Ali, the intrepid man of action who spoke in soundbites, all wittily and powerfully visualized by the provocateur graphic designer, George Lois.
Publisher comments
Important Dates:
• Dec. 11, 2006: 25th Anniversary of Ali’s last fight
• Jan. 17, 2007: Ali’s 65th birthday
Co-published with ESPN Books
ESPN Television:
• Ali Rap, The Movie: original 1-hour special based on the book. Through actual Ali clips as well as celebrity performers, the show will feature the most colorful and powerful quotes from him over the course of his life. (debut follows the Heisman Trophy Awards: Dec. 9, 2006, 9 p.m.)
• Ali’s Dozen, The Movie: original 1-hour special featuring Ali’s 12 most important boxing rounds. (debuts Dec. 9, 2006, 10 p.m.)
• Ali’s 65, The Movie: original 2-hour special tied to Muhammad Ali’s 65th birthday, celebrating Ali’s unique life and career. Fresh off his Emmy-winning "Rhythm of the Rope," Johnson McKelvy will be the producer for this show. (debuts Jan. 3, 2007, 10 p.m.)
• Ali Rap Vignettes: 30-second shorts of Ali’s most memorable declarations (running daily, Dec. 9, 2006 – Jan. 17, 2007)
About the author
The author: Advertising communicator George Lois is known for dozens of marketing miracles that triggered innovative and populist changes in American and world culture. His most famous work includes the "I Want My MTV" campaign, Jiffy Lube and Tommy Hilfiger ads, USA Today’s breakthrough "singing" TV campaign, and ESPN’s "In Your Face" campaign. He is also known as the legendary creator of the iconic Esquire covers of the 1960s. Lois is the author of five books of his work; his previous book is $ellebrity, dealing with his campaigns using celebrities in fresh and outrageous ways.
Contributor: Ron Holland worked alongside George Lois in the glory days of the Creative Revolution as a pioneer copywriter of Big Idea advertising. They continue their never-really-separated lives working on their matchless kind of advertising to this day.
