Muhammad Ali first came into the public eye when, as Cassius Clay, he won gold medal at the Olympic games in Rome in 1960. He would become the greatest boxer the world has ever seen and a political firebrand who would come to symbolize a critical turning point in the history of America.

In 1964 he stunned the boxing community with his defeat of Sonny Liston, the heavyweight champion, to take the title for the first time. Only those closest to Clay knew that he had the speed and ability to outfox even the greatest punch in the history of boxing, which is precisely what he did. Throughout his extraordinary career, his influence on the world of boxing changed the sport forever.

Muhammad Ali: The Illustrated Biography charts the life of this fascinating and complex man through a series of amazing action photographs, as well as powerful and intimate images at rest or on the public stage. While the photographs shot during the fights show the raw power, athleticism and skill of the fighter they are balanced by portrayals of his humanity and wit.

The photographs, drawn from the comprehensive archive of the Daily Mail, are accompanied by detailed captions which add context and depth to give a rounded and comprehensive portrait of the man who truly is ‘The Greatest’.