For Muhammad Ali, the high drama that he generated within the boxing ring with his athletic prowess was more than matched by the drama that he generated outside of it, and it was stated by many that as the 20th century closed, he was the best known and the most beloved figure in the world. He was also the rare athlete of his day who was photographed equally inside and outside of the ring, and always, the images were striking and compelling.Now, in an all-new special edition, LIFE celebrates the legendary athlete and cultural icon in Ali: A Life in Pictures, featuring dozens of photographs from acclaimed photographers including Gordon Parks, Harry Benson, Marvin Lichtner, James Drake, The Bettman Archive and many more. Many of these images have come to be as synonymous with Ali as his best quotes, and many of these images have not been seen for years.All of the photos are accompanied by essays and commentary that take readers through four distinct stages of Ali's life - "Clay," "Ali," "Legend," and "The Greatest," and all together, Ali: A Life in Pictures is the ultimate commemorative keepsake that celebrates an icon in both words and photographs.
