Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
King of the World summary
Brief summary
King of the World by David Remnick is a captivating biography that delves into the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. It explores his rise to fame, his impact on the sport, and his enduring legacy.
Topics
Table of Contents
King of the World
Summary of key ideas
Early Life and Beginnings
In King of the World, David Remnick delves into the early life of Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Clay, and his journey to becoming the heavyweight champion of the world. We learn about his childhood in Kentucky, his introduction to boxing, and his remarkable success as an amateur boxer, culminating in a gold medal at the 1960 Rome Olympics.
Remnick paints a vivid picture of the young Clay, his infectious confidence, and his boisterous personality. He captures the racial struggles of the time and Clay's refusal to be defined by the limitations society placed on him as a black man. Ali's conversion to Islam and his association with the Nation of Islam is also explored in this period of his life.
Emergence as a Contender
After turning professional, Clay quickly ascended the ranks, earning himself a title shot against Sonny Liston, the reigning heavyweight champion. Remnick describes the lead-up to this fight, including Clay's infamous taunts and predictions, which were dismissed as mere bravado by the boxing establishment and the public alike.
Against all odds, Clay defeated Liston in a stunning upset, and the world witnessed the birth of a new heavyweight champion. Following this victory, Clay publicly declared his allegiance to the Nation of Islam and changed his name to Muhammad Ali. Remnick explores the impact of Ali's conversion on his public image and his relationship with the media.
Ali's Peak and Political Stand
As Ali's career progressed, his boxing prowess and charismatic personality made him one of the most recognizable figures in the world. He defended his title multiple times, engaging in some of the most iconic fights in boxing history, including his trilogy with Joe Frazier and the 'Rumble in the Jungle' against George Foreman.
However, Ali's refusal to serve in the Vietnam War due to his religious beliefs and opposition to the war led to his suspension from boxing and a legal battle that lasted for years. Remnick examines Ali's principled stand against the war, the personal and professional sacrifices he endured, and the impact of his activism on the civil rights movement.
Ali's Later Years and Legacy
In the latter part of King of the World, Remnick delves into Ali's later years, including his comeback after his suspension, his battles with Parkinson's disease, and his philanthropic work. He also explores Ali's complex personal life, his multiple marriages, and his relationships with his children.
As the book concludes, Remnick reflects on Ali's enduring legacy, not only as a boxing icon but as a global symbol of courage, resilience, and defiance in the face of adversity. He depicts Ali as a transformative figure who transcended the boundaries of sport, race, and religion, leaving an indelible mark on the world.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is King of the World about?
King of the World by David Remnick is a captivating biography that delves into the life of legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. From his early days as Cassius Clay to his rise as a heavyweight champion, the book offers a compelling account of Ali's personal and professional journey. It explores his impact on the world of sports and his role in challenging societal norms and racial inequality.
King of the World Review
King of the World (1998) by David Remnick is a fascinating exploration of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:
- Offers insightful analysis on Ali's impact on sports, race, and culture, providing a deeper understanding of his significance beyond the boxing ring.
- Reveals compelling anecdotes and behind-the-scenes stories, bringing Ali's larger-than-life persona vividly to life.
- Combines historical context, personal interviews, and lively storytelling to create a narrative that is informative, engaging, and far from dull.
Who should read King of the World?
Boxing enthusiasts who want to learn more about Muhammad Ali's life and career
Readers interested in the intersection of sports, race, and society
People who enjoy biographies and want to gain insight into the mindset of a legendary athlete
Categories with King of the World
Book summaries like King of the World
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
37 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
King of the World FAQs
What is the main message of King of the World?
The main message of King of the World is about the rise of a boxing legend and his impact on society.
How long does it take to read King of the World?
Reading King of the World takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just a few minutes.
Is King of the World a good book? Is it worth reading?
King of the World is a captivating read due to its exploration of fame, race, and sports. A recommended choice for those interested in boxing history.
Who is the author of King of the World?
The author of King of the World is David Remnick.
What to read after King of the World?
If you're wondering what to read next after King of the World, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Emergency by Neil Strauss
- The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
- Behind the Beautiful Forevers by Katherine Boo
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
- The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser
- Losing My Virginity by Richard Branson
- The Immortal Life Of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
- I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai
- Gang Leader For A Day by Sudhir Venkatesh
- Do No Harm by Henry Marsh