Customer Reviews

Muhammad Ali: The Birth of a Legend, Miami, 1961-1964

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is worth the price for the pictures of 19 year old Ali alone. I have been an Ali fan since I was 12, and I have never seen these pictures before! Ali was 19, and made up a story about how he worked out in a swimming pool, so that the photographer would take underwater photos. They are incredible. So is the fact that, even though he had already won a gold medal, he wasn't allowed to try on clothes in a Miami department store because he was black.There are pictures of him running 5 miles to the gym in his dress pants and work boots, because he didn't have gym clothes! I can't stop looking at these pictures, and I can't believe how brave he was and how hard he had to work.

This is a book that's hard to put down. Just when you've thought you had read all you can read about Ali, a book like this comes along. The pictures make you feel as if as though you were there yourself. This was one of the best gifts I've ever received. I plan to pass this treasure on to many for Christmas.

I received this book as a gift and I find myself going back to it over and over. Like going back to a museum time and again to look at a favorite work of art. The photographs of Clay/Ali are so personal and so beautiful. Odd as it sounds, I feel grateful that Mr. Schulke has shared these photographs with me, with everyone lucky enough to discover them. I came to Amazon just now to order this book for a friend and found myself moved to write these few words. There's something about the book and about the story of Clay/Ali that wants to be shared.

This is an amazing photography book by the renowned civil-rights photographer, Flip Schulke. It is a must-have for any fan of boxing and/or especially Muhammad Ali. As the text states, only five of the 85 photos included here have ever been seen before! I am a huge Ali fan and I have never seen pictures of him when he was so young and in such intimate, ordinary settings. Half of the pictures were taken the year after he won the 1960 gold medal and had begun to train with Angelo Dundee. He was just 19 years old! The other half were taken 4 years later before, during, and after he won his first heavyweight title fight against Sonny Liston. The book is gorgeously designed, and the text is fascinating--especially the informal narrative text sections that are the actual words and thoughts of Mr. Schulke during the time he was taking these pictures and getting to know this not-yet-world-famous fighter. I love this book and plan to give copies to several of my friends for Christmas.

I saw the book on display in a Barnes and Noble I had to have it! I have been a boxing fan my whole life and I had never seen any of the photos of Ali that are diplayed in this book. The text is great, the photos are amazing, If you are a fan of the sweet science and a fan of the greatest boxer ever to lace a pair of gloves then you must have this book.

This is one of the best books of photography I've ever had the pleasure--and luck--to pore through. Before, I only admired Ali from a distance; now I feel like I can respect him up close. These photos give you such a wonderful image of his self-respect, which is incredibly sexy and just plain cool. Such self-confidence shines through beautifully in the photos, especially the underwater ones (the accompanying stories are enlightening as well). He makes you want to take up boxing (which I plan to!) and redirect your whole attitude: We're all winners! I'm getting this for my little brother--and keeping my own copy! Happy reading...

If you are a fan of Muhammad Ali or sports photography, you'll find this book a joy to read. The book focuses on Flip Schulke's black and white photographs of Ali that were taken on a few occasions from the early to mid-1960s. Flip's comments about the photos and Ali provide rare glimpses into Ali's early penchant for showmanship and the racial prejudice that affected his views. If you admire Ali for his impact in the boxing, social and political arenas, this book will bring tremendous joy to your heart.

LOVE Muhammad Ali - always have - didn't know alot about the young 19 year old Cassius Clay. The boy who becomes the man who is Muhammad Ali - This book tells some interesting stories about Cassius - I'm not sure why I'm suprised, or how I seperated the two in my mind...I mean...they are the same person...and you can see how Cassius is Muhammad - think to when you were 19 and imagine if your greatest qualities grew and become better etc -

Anyway - the book is really good - not 5 star, but 4 - I would have liked MANY more pictures of Cassius and more stories too - I was left wanting more - which is normally a good thing - but here it felt somewhat incomplete

Don't missunderstand - I would buy this again and buy it as gift for folks - if you don't have it - get it - it will make you smile

This is a beautiful paean to a legendary athlete and hero. Flip Schulke's photos demonstrate the artistry of both the subject and the chronicler. There are unforgettable underwater images of the young fighter in training, as well as poignant candid shots that aptly demonstrate Ali's humanity. Matt Schudel's accompanying text manages the difficult job of enhancing these superb photos without being distracting or superfluous. The many anecdotes from associates of Ali, as well as the chronology of Ali's career, all serve to beautifully and literately complement the photographs. This is a gorgeous book, appropriate not just for boxing or sports fans, but for all fans of cultural history, photography, writing, and art. A beautifully executed work, and a fitting tribute to one of the century's greatest heros.