Theirs was an extraordinary alliance that produced drama, comedy, controversy, and a mutual respect that helped shape both men's lives. Dave Kindred draws on his experiences with Ali and Cosell over nearly four decades, as well as new reporting and interviews, to break new ground in our understanding of these two giants who changed sports and television forever.
©2006 Dave Kindred; (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks
"[This book] shows so effectively how each man helped create the legend surrounding the other". (Publishers Weekly)
"Great insight into Ali & Cosell"
Among the many biographies of Ali and Cosell this is the best. Kindred does a masterful job in capturing the interplay between the two and provides superb insight into two of the 20th century's greatest men in sport.
The style of covering first one and then the other of these two men as they worked for themselves and used each other to attain and remain in the spotlight is fabulous.
A biography of Ali without Cosell or Cosell without Ali would not accurately represent the life of either man.
Even for someone who was Kindred's neighbor during his time in Atlanta, I can recommend in a most unbiased fashion this book. If you like the human aspect of sport - even if you don't like boxing you still will enjoy this book. My wife who could not care less about boxing has enjoyed the book as well.
Thanks Dave!
"Challenging"
A Wonderful dual biography! This book challenges the myths that have arisen surrounding both men.
After reading it, I had a better appreciation of both of these individuals and a better understanding of the times in which they (and I) lived. It also makes you reflect on the contibutions both real and imagined of both Howard Cosell and Muhammed Ali. It is very listenable and engaging throughout.
"Great narration, superb story."
I was 11 years old when Ali first fought Frazier. There was a huge dispute in my neighborhood about who to root for. I had no idea of the racial, political, and religious controversy regarding Muhammad Ali. This story brings it all to life in a way that honors both the broadcaster and the athlete. When the narrator dropped into his Cosell impersonation I laughed out loud several times. It amazed me that he could do Ali equally as good! Very believable and very good performance by the narrator.