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Cassius X

A Legend in the Making
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Cassius X by Stuart Cosgrove delves into the transformative years of a young Cassius Clay, who would later become known worldwide as Muhammad Ali. Before his global fame, the book explores his journey of personal evolution against the backdrop of America's civil rights movement. It paints a vivid picture of his early life, providing insight into how his identity and beliefs were shaped during a period of significant social change.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$3499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're fascinated by the transformation of cultural icons and the intersection of sports, politics, and social change. This biography delves into the life of a remarkable athlete who becomes a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement, offering an inspiring blend of history and personal evolution.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Cassius X is the remarkable story of the transformation of Cassius Clay into global icon Muhammad Ali, pivoting on the year that he converted to Islam under the guidance of Malcolm X and prepared for his title fight against ex-convict Sonny Liston.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Miami, 1963. A young boy from Louisville, Kentucky, is on the path to becoming the greatest sportsman of all time. Cassius Clay is training in the 5th Street Gym for his heavyweight title clash against the formidable Sonny Liston. He is beginning to embrace the ideas and attitudes of Black Power, and firebrand preacher Malcolm X will soon become his spiritual adviser. Thus Cassius Clay will become Cassius X as he awaits his induction into the Nation of Islam.

Cassius also befriends the legendary soul singer Sam Cooke, falls in love with soul singer Dee Dee Sharp, and becomes a remarkable witness to the first days of soul music. As with his award-winning soul trilogy, Stuart Cosgrove's intensive research and sweeping storytelling shine a new light on how black music lit up the sixties against a backdrop of social and political turmoilโ€”and how Cassius Clay made his remarkable transformation into Muhammad Ali.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Stuart Cosgrove's Cassius X has been praised for its engaging narrative, capturing the vibrant era of the 1960s with a focus on soul music and boxing. It offers a refreshing perspective on Muhammad Ali's early years, highlighting his transformation and the socio-political influences that shaped his journey. The book stands out for its well-researched content and vivid storytelling, appealing even to those not inherently interested in boxing or music.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781846975790

Publisher: Birlinn General

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 September 2022

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Polygon An Imprint of Birlinn Limited

Edition: New in Paperback

Illustration: b/w throughout

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 195.0mm

Weight: 309g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Stuart Cosgrove originally from Perth, was media editor with the NME and a feature writer for a range of newspapers and magazines. In 2005 he was named Broadcaster of the Year in the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards and in 2012 he won numerous awards including a BAFTA and Royal Television Society award for Channel 4's coverage of the London Paralympics 2012. The second book in his soul trilogy, Memphis 68, won the Penderyn Music Prize in 2018.

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