GOAT Hardcover – Deluxe Edition, February 27, 2004

I revere Ali. I had the honor of meeting him for an author appearance for a previous photo essay book when I worked for a New York-based publisher. The Champion Edition at $10,000 and the cheaper edition at $3000 are antithetical to who the man is, or has been. He has always been a man of the people, and not a sycophant for the wealthy who buy books like they buy shares of Berkshire Hathaway. If there was any information about proceeds from the sale of the books benefitting someone other than the publishers and authors I would feel differently. As it is, this is just an opportunity for those who'd have sent him to jail for avoiding the draft to own him. I'd wager that they care less about what the man stands for than that they can now own something their friends can't afford. If you love Ali and have $3000 or $10,000 to spend, give to a charity in his name.

First things first: This book has got talent. It might have once weighed in at a measily 40 pounds (500 pages), but has built up its strength and is now a strong contender. Few could question the book's power when it overcame several best sellers, rising up the non-fiction ranks like a soaring upper cut to truly punish George Foreman's jaw. The only question remaining for the experts is this: Will this book have what it takes to take on in a heavy weight bout its subject ?

All I can say is---WOW!!! This book is amazing in size, scope, depth, and beauty. It is almost as pretty as Ali himself--an nearly as heavy! But the heavyweight heft of this volume is appropriate to the subject. The book itself is, well, the Sistine Chapel of books. It is a gorgeous work of art, incredibly well made, the ultimate coffee table book--only make sure your coffee table is pretty solid. The price of this tome, and limited pressing, will make it accessible to only a few, and that is a shame, because anyone who grew up in the 60's and admired Ali for his talent, showmanship, and courage should have a shot at this behemoth tribute to the man. The copy I saw was a galley print demo, and only about 1/3rd of the entire book--and it was still fantastic. There are incredible photos, with great quality, and lots of fascinating text as well. I loved the chapter where the Beatles came to visit his Miami gym just a few days after the first Ed Sullivan show. The Beatles and Ali, both on the verge of changing the world. In short--I'd spend the 3 grand if I had it. Several years back, I was at a Laker game, including the likes of which were Magic Johnson & Kareem Abdul Jabbar, and Ali was at the game with several people. I kept staring across the Forum at Ali, so still and silent due to disease, yet he remained full of dignity and bearing. In the mid-4th quarter, Ali and his entourage got up to leave, and--without any PA announcement--the crowd spontaneously began to cheer until the racket shut the game down and the whole building was on its feet. I got chills that I still remember. Ali is the most important sports figure of the latter-20th Century, because his achievement transcended the game he played and pervaded the entire culture. This Gargantuan book is worthy of its subject. I feel privileged to have gotten to view a copy before I left this earth.