Norman Mailer. Neil Leifer. Howard L. Bingham. The Fight

On October 30, 1974, Muhammad Ali and George Foreman fought in Kinshasa, Zaire, in an epic match. Norman Mailer's book The Fight, published in 1975, is a masterpiece of sportswriting that restores our tarnished notions of heroism and establishes him as a champion in his own right. This edition has been introduced and abridged by Mailer scholar J. Michael Lennon and illustrated for the first time with principal photography by Neil Leifer and Howard L. Bingham. The result is a dazzling tribute to The Champ and a vivid document of one of the most epic, adrenaline-laced events in sporting history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 27 April 2022
Publisher: Taschen GmbH

On October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire, at the virtual center of Africa, two boxers were paid five million dollars apiece to confront each other in an epic match. One was Muhammad Ali, who vowed to reclaim the championship he had lost. The other was George Foreman, who was as taciturn as Ali was voluble and who kept his hands in his pockets "the way a hunter lays his rifle back into its velvet case." Observing them both was Norman Mailer, whose grasp of the titanic battles feints and stratagems—and sensitivity to their deeper symbolism—made his 1975 book The Fight a masterpiece of sportswriting. Whether analyzing the fighters moves, interpreting their characters, or weighing their competing claims on the African and American souls, Mailer was a commentator of unparalleled acumen—and surely one of the few intrepid enough to accompany Ali on a late-night run through the bush. Through The Fight, he restores our tarnished notions of heroism to a blinding gleam, and establishes himself as a champion in his own right.

Over four decades after its original publication, this edition of The Fight has been introduced and abridged by Mailer scholar J. Michael Lennon and illustrated for the first time with principal photography by the two men who captured Ali and Foreman in the ring and in private like no one else: Neil Leifer and Howard L. Bingham. Widely considered to be the greatest sports photographer of his generation, Neil Leifer's vibrant color coverage dominates from ringside. It also serves as a living testimony to the pageantry, sheer physical power, and deep psychological interplay of the fighters, their camps, and their controversial host, Zaire's President Mobutu Sese Seko. Behind the scenes, meanwhile, Howard Bingham was Ali's constant companion, documenting his every move from the.

Muhammad Ali, the legendary boxer, and George Foreman, the formidable opponent, faced off in an historic match on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire. The stakes were high, with each fighter earning a staggering five million dollars for their participation. Ali, known for his charismatic personality and exceptional skills, was determined to reclaim the championship he had lost in his previous bout. On the other hand, Foreman, known for his imposing stature and powerful punching power, entered the ring with a reputation for being a relentless and unyielding fighter.

The match itself was a thrilling spectacle, with both boxers displaying their exceptional abilities. Ali, known for his lightning-fast speed and agility, danced around the ring, using his quick feet and hands to dodge Foreman's punches. Foreman, on the other hand, relied on his massive strength and relentless aggression, charging forward with thunderous blows that often left Ali reeling.

Norman Mailer, a renowned writer and commentator, was present to witness the historic event. His profound understanding of the nuances of boxing and his ability to capture the deeper symbolism of the match made his book, The Fight, a masterpiece of sportswriting. Mailer's commentary was insightful, offering a deep analysis of the fighters' moves, characters, and the larger cultural significance of the match.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Mailer's writing was his ability to restore our tarnished notions of heroism. In a world often dominated by cynicism and skepticism, Ali and Foreman emerged as heroes, representing different aspects of human resilience and determination. Ali, with his unwavering confidence and self-belief, showcased the power of perseverance and the ability to overcome adversity. Foreman, on the other hand, with his quiet determination and unwavering focus, demonstrated the strength of physicality and the power of the human spirit.

Through The Fight, Mailer established himself as a champion in his own right. His commentary not only provided a detailed account of the match but also delved into the broader cultural and historical context surrounding it. The match, held in Zaire, symbolized the political and social tensions of the time, with Ali representing the African continent and Foreman representing the United States. Mailer's writing shed light on the complexities of race, identity, and power, challenging the readers to consider the deeper meanings behind the physicality of the sport.

The edition of The Fight that has been introduced and abridged by Mailer scholar J. Michael Lennon and illustrated for the first time with principal photography by Neil Leifer and Howard L. Bingham is a testament to the enduring legacy of this iconic match. Leifer's vibrant color coverage captures the energy and excitement of the ring, while Bingham's intimate photographs provide a glimpse into the private lives of the fighters and their camps. The book not only serves as a tribute to the athleticism and skill of Ali and Foreman but also to the power of sports to transcend boundaries and inspire generations.

In conclusion, the match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman on October 30, 1974, in Kinshasa, Zaire, was a historic event that marked a turning point in the history of boxing. The match was not only a physical contest but also a cultural and historical spectacle, with profound implications for the African continent and the United States. Norman Mailer's book, The Fight, captured the essence of the match and its larger significance, restoring our tarnished notions of heroism and challenging our understanding of the human spirit. Through the introduction and abridgment of this edition, accompanied by stunning photography, Mailer's legacy continues to inspire and captivate readers, reminding us of the power of sports to unite people and transcend boundaries.

Weight: 2720g
Dimension: 338 x 280 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783836591492