"... the biggest, heaviest, most radiant thing ever printed in the history of civilization." - Der Spiegel, Hamburg.
Muhammad Ali is one of the most remarkable personalities of our time and the greatest sportsman ever to walk the earth. To honor this living legend, TASCHEN has created a work that is epic in scale and as unique and vibrant as the man himself. A worthy tribute to his life should reflect the scale of his achievements, and GOAT - GREATEST OF ALL TIME is fully up to that task.
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Four years in the making, and the most comprehensive study of Ali to date, GOAT tips the scales at 34 kgs (75 lbs) and is 50 cm x 50 cm (20" x 20") in size. Nearly 800 pages of archival and original photographs, graphic artwork, articles and essays - many of them previously unpublished - chronicle six decades of his life in stunning detail. To cap it all, the project takes place with the participation of Ali himself and those members of his inner circle who have been closest to him over the years: from managers and key cornermen to friends, family and children; from spiritual and other advisers to broadcasters, essayists and journalists.
GOAT comes in two versions. The "Champ's Edition", limited to the first 1,000 copies, has a white silk cover with pink lettering. Included are four gallery-quality silver gelatin prints in the size 50 x 50 cm (20" x 20") signed by photographer Howard L. Bingham and Muhammad Ali. Every "Champ's Edition" comes with the sculpture "Radial Champs" by Jeff Koons (size 175 x 170 cm, 69" x 67", comprising of 2 inflatables and a stool). The remaining 9,000 copies, the "Collector's Edition", shows Ali's torso with pink lettering. Every "Collector's Edition comes with the photo-litho "Radial Champs" by Jeff Koons in the size 50 x 50 cm (20" x 16"). All 10,000 copies are individually signed by Muhammad Ali and Jeff Koons.
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What can I say about this book? I saw it in the flesh, on display, at the Maharishi store in London and was blown away by it. It’s incredible, it's huge, the book features 3000 photographs, essays, articles chronicling 60 years of Ali’s career and life. It’s signed by Jeff koons and Ali himself and has his own insights, writings and drawings, and reproductions of fight posters and classic memorabilia. All this along with a hefty price tag and strictly limited editions make it ultra collectable - I’m positive over time this book will increase in value. I have put 3 conflicting reviews of the book below …make your own mind up.
“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.” - John McAndrew ( Santa Fe, NM USA)
"Goat: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali" is seventy-five pounds of the finest photos, essays and articles on the man himself. The packaging is great, with a box to protect the cover from shelf wear.
Nearly every photograph in this huge book is a work of art, many of which have never before been seen. The composition and details of the photographs are amazing. I found myself staring at them for hours.
The hefty price will scare off many, but it really is worth it. Don't forget that it comes autographed by Ali and Jeff Koons. (Meaning it will only go up in value.)
Overall, this beautiful book really is the ultimate tribute. It rates at least ten stars!” - Peter Jones ( Portland, Oregon)
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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. - Harvey M. Canter (tarzana, ca United States)
Float like a butterfly...
...Sting like a bee