Including material and photographs not included in most of the 100 other books about the champion, Ishmael Reeds is more than just a biographyit is a fascinating portrait of the 20th century and the beginning of the 21st. An honest, balanced portrayal of Ali, the book includes voices that have been omitted from other books. It charts Alis evolution from Black Nationalism to a universalism, but does not discount the Nation of Islam and Black Nationalisms important influence on his intellectual development. Filipino American author Emil Guillermo speaks about how The Thrilla In Manila brought the Philippines into the 20th century. Fans of Muhammad Ali, boxing fans, and those interested in modern African American history and the Nation of Islam will be fascinated by this biography by an accomplished American author.