top of page
Search

How Jon Eig crafted the comprehensive account of Muhammad Ali in 'Ali: A Life'

  • Oct 4, 2017
  • 1 min read

Updated: Nov 28, 2022


Originally published on ESPN

by Tom Junod, ESPN Senior Writer


Muhammad Ali poses with gloves in this undated portrait. Action Images/Sporting Pictures

The title of Jon Eig's new book could not be more straightforward: "Ali: A Life." But we can't be deaf to the size of the claim that Eig is making any more than we can be blind to the size -- the 600-page heft -- of the book itself.


Until yesterday's publication of "Ali: A Life," there was no life of Muhammad Ali, no comprehensive account of the man who called himself -- and came to be called -- "The Greatest." Now, where once yawned a vacuum, there now stands a cinderblock, the product of 400 interviews conducted over five years of archival research and shoe-leather detective work. The Ali who emerges from Eig's biography is not the saint so many have made him out to be, but rather a figure whose humanity is earthy, complicated, fallible and thus, in these pages, restored.


7 Comments


This article offers fascinating insight into the research and storytelling behind an important historical biography. The attention given to accuracy, detail, and the human side of Muhammad Ali’s story makes it especially engaging. I recently came across a similar discussion on fake degree certificate that highlighted the importance of preserving knowledge through quality research and writing.

Like

fujace
Jul 08

commercial garage doors requires skill, experience, and reliable service, and this company appears to provide exactly that. Their repair and installation capabilities are impressive and practical. Find out more at goprogaragedoorrepair whenever needed. Their dedicated team works efficiently, respects deadlines, and consistently provides dependable service that businesses can confidently trust.

Like

I’ve heard people talking about daman game club, but I don’t fully understand what it means. Is it a separate feature inside the platform, or does it refer to some community or membership section? If anyone knows, please explain in simple words.

Like

I saw an ok win game download option online, but I want to confirm if it is the official version or not. Is there any trusted source or official link to avoid installing the wrong file?

Like

Can someone explain how lottery 7 colour prediction actually works? I’ve seen people discussing patterns, but I’m not sure if it’s based on any strategy or just random results. If anyone has experience, please share how beginners should approach it.

Like
bottom of page