ALI, Muhammad. The Greatest. My Own Story (Inscribed by Muhammad Ali and acclaimed actor LeVar Burton)

With Richard Durham. New York: Random House, 1975. First edition, first printing. Thick octavo. pp. [10], 416. Publisher’s black boards, upper cover and spine lettered in red, in the original unclipped dust jacket.

A landmark sporting autobiography, published when Muhammad Ali stood not merely as the world’s most celebrated heavyweight champion, but as a global cultural icon. Blending autobiography with photographs, personal documents, and reflections on race, faith, politics and boxing, The Greatest charts Ali’s extraordinary journey from Louisville prodigy to Olympic champion, world heavyweight champion, conscientious objector, and one of the most influential athletes of the twentieth century. More than a sporting memoir, it is an enduring record of a figure whose courage and charisma transcended the boxing ring.

An exceptional association copy, signed by Muhammad Ali and additionally inscribed and signed by the acclaimed actor LeVar Burton: “Ali, Best to you, LeVar Burton.” The dual signatures bring together two of America’s most admired public figures. Burton, celebrated for his roles in Roots, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and as the long-time host of Reading Rainbow, developed a warm friendship with Ali through their shared commitment to education, humanitarian causes, and public advocacy. Their association reflected a mutual respect that extended well beyond celebrity, uniting two men whose influence reached across sport, television, literature, and civil rights.

A near fine copy. The binding remains fresh and bright with only trivial shelf wear to the extremities. Internally exceptionally clean, with the signed front free endpaper and text block in excellent condition. The original dust jacket is bright and complete, showing light rubbing and a little toning to the spine and edges, with no significant loss or restoration. An outstanding signed presentation copy linking two enduring American icons whose friendship lends the volume an added dimension of historical and cultural significance.

[WR Sport]