The Tao of Muhammad Ali - Davis Miller

The Tao of Muhammad Ali It’s hard not to start this review with some trite cliched truism like “Muhammad Ali is undeniably the most famous and celebrated sports personality of the last century”. I don’t know why the man’s name hasn’t just become a part of the English language to define a living legend. Ali’s life story seems to be a model for a mythological hero in any country’s culture – the hero is a figure of masculine dominance; he’s fighter, but he is also a spiritual leader, a political leader, a man who stood up for what he believed in and sacrificed everything. He was controversial ... more

In this biography the author, Davis Miller, analyses the personal inspiration and education he has taken from the life and times of Muhammed Ali and by doing this brings a new literary perspective to one of the 20th century's most discussed icons. Miller discusses the impact of Muhammed Ali on his life, so goes in a completely different direction to traditional Ali biographies such as Muhammad Ali: His Life and Times, by Thomas Hauser (This is also excellent and works well to complement Miller's book). I feel that this is good because Muhammed Ali's influence and enduring appeal is more to do ... more

I bought many books on Mohammad Ali because I find the character truly amazing : the first modern icon, the first brand, the most recognisable face on Earth, and one if not the best boxer ever (especially in his early days). I bought the book out of curiosity five years ago and from page one it grabbed me. I did read the book in one go. Davis Miller's style is crystal clear, to the point; it sounds as if he is writing a letter to you. His life is as boring as anybody except for the light that Mohammad Ali puts in it. Videos, articles, books, photos you name it, he has collected them all ... more