Barbara L. Tischler - Muhammad Ali: A Man of Many Voices

http://www.routledge.com/cw/historicalamericans

First published 2016
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2016 Taylor & Francis

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ISBN: 978-1-138-02305-5 (hbk)
ISBN: 978-1-138-02306-2 (pbk)
ISBN: 978-1-315-77668-2 (ebk)

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Writing is a solitary craft, whether on a strict schedule or in the occasional spare moments of ones life. But creating a book is a decidedly collaborative effort, and I am indebted to a number of people who helped to bring Muhammad Ali: A Man of Many Voices to fruition.

Series editor Professor Paul Finkelman first suggested this project in the fall of 2012. Although it took me another six months to think that I could actually write this book and another eighteen months after that to meet the goal of producing an acceptable manuscript, Paul was encouraging, helpfully critical, and energetic in his engagement with my ideas. I am grateful for the enthusiasm with which he approached my work. Professor Ellen Schrecker read the manuscript and provided valuable advice about the political context of the 1950s and 1960s as well as comments on how this book could be useful to students. Genevieve Aoki and the production staff at Taylor & Francis helped to turn a manuscript into a book. Genevieves guidance throughout the project was especially helpful. Kyler Culver, the librarian and New Yorks Buckley School provided insight into the workings of a variety of data bases that helped advance my research.

My best critics are the members of my family. In conversations, few propositions are accepted without question. As a result, an idea becomes more nuanced and interesting. My sons, Ben and Dan, read early drafts and helped me to clarify and intensify my portrayal of the Greatest of All Time. Steve Tischler, the greatest editor ever and love of my life, read the book as much as I did and freely offered his expertise on the importance of sports to the American story. We did not always agree, but we laughed a lot, and the book is better for his love and care for me and the project.

This book was written for students who wish to learn more about a great athlete and his impact on his sport and his country. The name Muhammad Ali is recognized throughout the world, and its important to present aspects of his life that continue to make him an object of conversation and controversy. The literature on the Greatest of All Time is extensive, ranging from fight reports and blogs to creative essays on the meaning of Ali in American society and analyses of Alis rhetoric of peace in the violent context of both boxing and war. He has been characterized as an upstart, a champion, a religious fanatic, a traitor, a washed-up heavyweight, a survivor, and a humanitarian. At various times in his life, Ali has spoken in a language and a style that revealed his commitment to his identity of that moment. In each instance, his voice has informed us about life as a young black man with ambition beyond anyone elses comprehension; as a winner in the ring who spoke his mind about his accomplishments; a member of the reviled and feared Nation of Islam; a conscientious objector who was willing to risk jail and the loss of income for his convictions; a former champion who could not bring himself to leave the ring; a man living with the symptoms of a debilitating disease; and a man who found ways to use his celebrity to help others. Muhammad Ali remains a champion and a man of many voices.