Includes bibliographical references (p. [131]-133) and index.

Introduction -- Timeline : significant events in Muhammad Ali's life -- Boxing in its historical and cultural context -- The Lip is launched : Cassius Clay emerges, 1942-1960 -- The Lip arrives : May 1960-June 1963 -- The Liston bouts and the "total eclipses of the Sonnys" : June 1964-May 1965 -- The brief ascendancy and long fall : June 1965-April 1967 -- Exile : April 1967-September 1970 -- A triumphant return : April 1970-January 1974 -- From Foreman to retirement : the last professional years -- Epilogue : the real Muhammad Ali.