The Greatest: My Own Story
 | |
| Editor | Toni Morrison |
|---|---|
| Author |
Muhammad Ali Richard Durham |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Autobiography |
| Publisher | Graymalkin Media |
Publication date | 1975[1] |
| Pages | 398 |
| ISBN | 1631680498 |
The Greatest: My Own Story is a 1975 autobiography of Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr., a former heavyweight boxer who was three times World Heavyweight Champion and has been called the greatest heavyweight from all eras.[2]
It is written in collaboration with Richard Durham and edited by Nobel Prize-winning novelist Toni Morrison.[1] Written in his own words, the heavyweight champion chronicles the battles he faced in and out of the ring. The book is a multifaceted portrait of Muhammad Ali as sports legend; unapologetic anti-war advocate; goodwill ambassador; fighter, lover, poet, and provocateur.[3]
 Interview with Muhammad Ali, 56:25, Ali discusses The Greatest with Studs Terkel, Studs Terkel Radio Archive[4] |
Assessment
It is alleged that Ali was not involved, and not interested, in the writing of this book to the extent that he never read it till after it was published.[5] It is also alleged that before any material in this book was submitted to the publisher, each page had to be approved by Jabir Herbert Muhammad who exercised effective censorship on the contents of the book.[5][6] Former Random House editor-in-chief James Silberman, who was involved in editing the book, claimed that "I'm not sure the book is the true story of Ali's life."[5]
References
- 1 2 Reed, Ishmael (November 30, 1975). "The Greatest". The New York Times.
- ↑ "Was Ali the Greatest Heavyweight?". Boxinginsider.com. Retrieved December 5, 2010.
- ↑ "Muhammad Ali's Memoir "The Greatest: My Own Story"". prnewswire.com.
- ↑ "Interview with Muhammad Ali". Studs Terkel Radio Archive. 1975. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
- 1 2 3 Thomas Hauser (1991). Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times. Simon&Schuster. p. 343.
- ↑ Felix Dennis and Don Atyeo (2003). Muhammad Ali: The Glory Years. miramax books. p. 272.
