GOAT - A Tribute to Muhammad Ali

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 manages to cover the task fully.


Fat Buddha Store is more than happy to have this fantastic book instore. Four years in the making, and the most comprehensive study of Ali to date, GOAT tips the scales at a massive 34 kgs (75 lbs) and is 50 cm x 50 cm (20" x 20") in size. Bound by the official bindery for the Vatican, in pink leather, the color of Ali's first Cadillac. The bindery specializing in the most elaborate and oversized editions of the Koran and the Bible enforces the strictest standards of quality control and only several hundred copies can be assembled per week. Nearly 800 pages of archival and original photographs, graphic artwork, articles and essays - many of them previously unpublished - chronicle six decades of his life in stunning detail.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.


Motivating this endeavor is the conviction that Ali is not just a figure from the past, but one whose influence even today pervades everyday popular culture. The merest glance at the world of sports and music, for example, reveals his psychic DNA on everything from the lyrics and style of rap music to the way sports figures represent themselves. More significantly, his actions outside of the boxing ring still speak even louder than the verbal outrageousness of his pre-fight spectacles. He is a man who stood by his convictions, and took a highly unpopular stance at the peak of his career in a country not yet ready for radical change. He risked everything - his title, his livelihood, and his status - and in the process emerged as a man of principle and indeed, a hero for all time. No stone has been left unturned in telling this remarkable story: the book features written contributions from hundreds of writers and photographers, as well as over 3,000 photographs of Ali's dazzling life. Plus Ali's own insights, writings and drawings, and reproductions of fight posters and classic memorabilia.

GOAT comes in two versions. The "Champ's Edition", Which we have here at Fat Buddha Store, 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.


The book comes in at, wait for it £9.000 (Yes that is Nine Thousand Pounds!), So could hit your bank balance pretty hard!, This is one stunning book and a fitting tribute to a king.


Craig