What do you think?
Rate this book
Bouts of Mania: Ali, Frazier, and Foreman—and an America on the Ropes
Bouts of Mania describes the glorious era when Muhammad Ali, Joe Frazier, and George Foreman fought each other in every possible combination, on nearly every possible continent. In their most memorable bouts from 1971 to 1975, the three men created athletic set pieces that continue to the Fight of the Century, Down Goes Frazier!, the Rumble in the Jungle, and the Thrilla in Manila. Their fights for the heavyweight belt (when that title still meant something) made for a roiling and convulsive tournament, all the more striking against a backdrop of national dysfunction. In fact, their heroic efforts—global spectacles that offered brief glimpses of clarity and confidence—may have been the only thing that made sense back home during the social and political morass of the 1970s.In Bouts of Mania, Richard Hoffer, a longtime writer for Sports Illustrated, evokes all the hopes and hoopla, the hype and hysteria of boxing's last and best “golden age.”
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
1 person is currently reading
65 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 16, 2024
Reading this book was a nostalgic trip down memory lane for me. With an emphasis on the 1970-1975 time frame: those were formative years for me growing up, and I was an avid boxing fan.
Light and easy to read, Hoffer's style is that of a passionate sports writer. He does much to flesh out the motivations behind the image of three very public figures. Their private lives are as interesting as the public facade.
If you are a fan of the sport even just a child of the 70's, give this one a shot.
Light and easy to read, Hoffer's style is that of a passionate sports writer. He does much to flesh out the motivations behind the image of three very public figures. Their private lives are as interesting as the public facade.
If you are a fan of the sport even just a child of the 70's, give this one a shot.
February 23, 2016
Written in the kind of florid, frenzied, poetical hyperbole that fight writers used to really use back in the 70s and 80s when Mailer and Plimpton and Thompson wrote the blow-by-blows, this book takes some getting used to. Once it gets you with its unflinching descriptions of absolutely everything, however, it refuses to let go, and the book becomes compelling in the same way as watching a championship-level boxing match; maybe you don't even really want to watch, but you can't stop. I recommend this to anyone who is fascinated with any of the three principals involved or to someone who has no grounding in fistic history and needs the education.
April 14, 2018
Bouts of Mania by Richard Hoffer examines the Golden Age of heavyweight boxing – the period from 1970 to 1975. Ali was on the comeback trail and Joe Frazier and George Foreman were ready to stake their claim for the title. Hoffer places these 3 boxers, and their 5 great fights, at the centre of American life during an incredibly turbulent period.
Ali overshadows everything else in the book – which is only fitting as Ali overshadowed everything he ever came into contact with. As the public mood turned against Vietnam, Ali, previously public enemy no. 1, became a hero for large swaths of the American public. Always a star, he became a cultural icon of his generation. While becoming major celebrities in their own right, Foreman and Frazier’s boxing careers would (at least until Foreman’s comeback in his 40’s) be largely defined by their fights with Ali.
The book’s cover compares Hoffer’s work to King of the World by David Remnick – a bold claim, but one that isn’t too far wide of the mark. Bouts of Mania benefits from its narrow focus. It touches on the need for entertainment at a time of national decline (in the US) but doesn’t overly dwell on, or try to force, linkages between the fighters and their time. Knowledge of Ali’s backstory is largely assumed, with the backstories of Frazier and Foreman expertly weaved through the narratives of the 5 fights.
A clear difficulty for Hoffer, writing around 40 years after the main events in the book took place, was that so many of the protaganists are no longer with us. This meant his interview list was much shorter than would have been the case for books written in the 90’s and 2000’s on these fighters. I suspect this limitation contributed to a greater emphasis on Foreman, who he could interview, and this is a real strength of the book. The image of the menacing young Foreman racked with self-doubt is fascinating as is the contrast between Foreman then and the more lovable Foreman of later years. There were some avoidable minor factual errors (like claiming Ali fought a hometown favourite when in Dublin) but these are few and far between.
Hoffer is more critical of Ali than many writers – with a lot of focus on how he mistreated Fraizer. This is no bad thing as it is easy to overlook the troubling side of Ali’s behaviour. Hoffer’s description of how America felt about Ali at the time of the Atlanta Olympics is very interesting – it’s the first moment I remember being exposed to Ali aged 12 and being bemused by the exceptional level of sentiment. Hoffer captures perfectly the sense of people in some ways rediscovering their affection for (as opposed to fascination with) Ali at a time when he had become as much legend as a real person.
Bout of Mania is written in a fast paced, engaging and entertaining style. It captures the tension and excitement of the fights and the strange atmospheres as the Ali carnival hit countries of all types. Hoffer paints a vivid and memorable picture of the fighters as well as the context in which they fought.
Overall this is a very enjoyable read and a welcome addition to the ever growing library of books that centre around The Greatest. It seeks to give some much deserved attention to the legacies of Foreman and Frazier, without whom Ali’s greatest days could never have happened.
You can read all of my reviews of sports books at https://allsportsbooks.reviews
Ali overshadows everything else in the book – which is only fitting as Ali overshadowed everything he ever came into contact with. As the public mood turned against Vietnam, Ali, previously public enemy no. 1, became a hero for large swaths of the American public. Always a star, he became a cultural icon of his generation. While becoming major celebrities in their own right, Foreman and Frazier’s boxing careers would (at least until Foreman’s comeback in his 40’s) be largely defined by their fights with Ali.
The book’s cover compares Hoffer’s work to King of the World by David Remnick – a bold claim, but one that isn’t too far wide of the mark. Bouts of Mania benefits from its narrow focus. It touches on the need for entertainment at a time of national decline (in the US) but doesn’t overly dwell on, or try to force, linkages between the fighters and their time. Knowledge of Ali’s backstory is largely assumed, with the backstories of Frazier and Foreman expertly weaved through the narratives of the 5 fights.
A clear difficulty for Hoffer, writing around 40 years after the main events in the book took place, was that so many of the protaganists are no longer with us. This meant his interview list was much shorter than would have been the case for books written in the 90’s and 2000’s on these fighters. I suspect this limitation contributed to a greater emphasis on Foreman, who he could interview, and this is a real strength of the book. The image of the menacing young Foreman racked with self-doubt is fascinating as is the contrast between Foreman then and the more lovable Foreman of later years. There were some avoidable minor factual errors (like claiming Ali fought a hometown favourite when in Dublin) but these are few and far between.
Hoffer is more critical of Ali than many writers – with a lot of focus on how he mistreated Fraizer. This is no bad thing as it is easy to overlook the troubling side of Ali’s behaviour. Hoffer’s description of how America felt about Ali at the time of the Atlanta Olympics is very interesting – it’s the first moment I remember being exposed to Ali aged 12 and being bemused by the exceptional level of sentiment. Hoffer captures perfectly the sense of people in some ways rediscovering their affection for (as opposed to fascination with) Ali at a time when he had become as much legend as a real person.
Bout of Mania is written in a fast paced, engaging and entertaining style. It captures the tension and excitement of the fights and the strange atmospheres as the Ali carnival hit countries of all types. Hoffer paints a vivid and memorable picture of the fighters as well as the context in which they fought.
Overall this is a very enjoyable read and a welcome addition to the ever growing library of books that centre around The Greatest. It seeks to give some much deserved attention to the legacies of Foreman and Frazier, without whom Ali’s greatest days could never have happened.
You can read all of my reviews of sports books at https://allsportsbooks.reviews
March 27, 2017
I wouldn't describe myself as a great fan of boxing, but then the appeal of the era when Ali, Foreman and Frazier dominated transcends mere interest in the sport.
The era has already produced some fine books (both King Of The World and Ghosts Of Manila are highly recommended) and this is a fine addition to that canon.
A compelling read that I devoured in two days, and has reminded me just how absolutely crucial these fights were at the time. I still find it difficult to watch the eighth round of the Rumble In The Jungle without discovering myself on my feet as Ali guided Foreman out of the corner before delivering the knockout blow. I recall sitting in what can only be described as utter fear as Ali and Frazier pounded each other to an inch of their lives in Manila.
That's all captured in this book, alongside the complex range of emotions surrounding the legendary trio.
The era has already produced some fine books (both King Of The World and Ghosts Of Manila are highly recommended) and this is a fine addition to that canon.
A compelling read that I devoured in two days, and has reminded me just how absolutely crucial these fights were at the time. I still find it difficult to watch the eighth round of the Rumble In The Jungle without discovering myself on my feet as Ali guided Foreman out of the corner before delivering the knockout blow. I recall sitting in what can only be described as utter fear as Ali and Frazier pounded each other to an inch of their lives in Manila.
That's all captured in this book, alongside the complex range of emotions surrounding the legendary trio.
January 19, 2015
I grew up in the 1970's, and I remember Ali, Frazier and Foreman very well. Ali is still a HUGE Hero to me. In 1997, My daughter(1 at the time) and I took pictures with him. I'll always cherish that.
This book looks at 5 fights between the 3 men, and the landscape of America at that time.
We also get a look at their careers before and after that time frame.
I have read a lot of material on Ali, and seen countless documentaries. Still this book surprised me in some ways. I learned a few things I didn't know.
If you are a fight fan, or a fan of any of these 3 boxers, I recommend it!
This book looks at 5 fights between the 3 men, and the landscape of America at that time.
We also get a look at their careers before and after that time frame.
I have read a lot of material on Ali, and seen countless documentaries. Still this book surprised me in some ways. I learned a few things I didn't know.
If you are a fight fan, or a fan of any of these 3 boxers, I recommend it!
July 26, 2014
A pretty good sports history of the 5 major heavyweight fights between Ali, Frazier and Foreman in the early to mid 70's and their place in the American landscape of the time. Drawing on reporting from the era, a vivid picture is painted of the fights, fighters, scene and chaos as a traveling roadshow of American might and decadence swept the world from Kingston to Kinshasa to Manilla. A really good read
December 18, 2015
A very good book! Extremely well written and a fast read. It's a boxing book but weaves the tenor of the times throughout the story. Having lived through these times and been interested in boxing at the time, it was a fascinating look back, told in an interesting style . The fights are almost secondary to the environment, which is described in dead on detail. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
January 5, 2015
Great story line of the the three boxing titans told against the background of America suffering through malaise. Absolutely top shelf writing and delivery. Don't have to be a boxing fan to enjoy it, the writing is so outstanding.
January 4, 2015
Very fascinating read about a signature period in American boxing, with outstanding character studies. The author does a great job, also, of explaining how this played out in the larger culture as well.
September 8, 2016
In the 1970s, the whole world was captivated by Muhammad Ali, his talk, his fighting, and his rivalry with Joe Frazier and George Foreman. There hasn’t been anything bigger in sports before or since. It was beyond sports. This book chronicles all these three fighters, from their beginning till the fading days. A great book. Richard Hoffer’s dry humour makes it a more entertaining read. A must read for anyone interested in sports.
So why I’m not giving it 5 stars? Because there is a clear attempt in the book to belittle Ali. His fame is explained away as a product of culture and time. As if Ali just happened to be in the right place at the right time. That is not true. Ali showed steady resolve in his political beliefs, and inspired millions into change. He dealt with uncomfortable issues dead on. In one place Hoffer said Ali’s first career was a lively “even distinguished” one. Even distinguished? Has there been anything comparable in boxing history?
The writer tried to assassinate Ali’s character with his trash talking about Joe Frazier. It is true that Ali’s verbal attack against Frazier crossed the limits of decency, and some were plain untruths. Frazier wasn’t ugly as Ali teased, and his disarming smile was prettier than a dozen Ali smile. He earned our respect by keeping calm (most of the time) in the face of Ali’s parley and replying in the ring. However, we should also remember that Ali unreservedly apologised for those talks after retirement.
Hoffer also said Ali had no idea of consequences of his action. “He oozed through life with equal charm and insolence, completely unmindful of consequences, always removed from the results of his affairs.” Nothing can be further from the truth. Ali refused to go to Vietnam, knowing that he is going to lose millions of dollars and his prime time. But he refused on principle. If that is not caring for consequences, I don’t know what is.
So why I’m not giving it 5 stars? Because there is a clear attempt in the book to belittle Ali. His fame is explained away as a product of culture and time. As if Ali just happened to be in the right place at the right time. That is not true. Ali showed steady resolve in his political beliefs, and inspired millions into change. He dealt with uncomfortable issues dead on. In one place Hoffer said Ali’s first career was a lively “even distinguished” one. Even distinguished? Has there been anything comparable in boxing history?
The writer tried to assassinate Ali’s character with his trash talking about Joe Frazier. It is true that Ali’s verbal attack against Frazier crossed the limits of decency, and some were plain untruths. Frazier wasn’t ugly as Ali teased, and his disarming smile was prettier than a dozen Ali smile. He earned our respect by keeping calm (most of the time) in the face of Ali’s parley and replying in the ring. However, we should also remember that Ali unreservedly apologised for those talks after retirement.
Hoffer also said Ali had no idea of consequences of his action. “He oozed through life with equal charm and insolence, completely unmindful of consequences, always removed from the results of his affairs.” Nothing can be further from the truth. Ali refused to go to Vietnam, knowing that he is going to lose millions of dollars and his prime time. But he refused on principle. If that is not caring for consequences, I don’t know what is.
September 25, 2017
Not quite as well as Remnick's 'King of the World' presents the fights of Ali, Patterson and Liston in the 1960s, Hoffer's 'Bouts of Mania' chronicles the fights of Ali, Frazier and Foreman, against the backdrop of society and politics in America in the 1970s. Though Remnick's is a masterpiece, so the author should not feel so bad.
I watched each of the fights described after reading about them and the reason 'Bouts' didn't get the fifth star is that Hoffer must have been watching different fights to me, the Rumble in the Jungle appearing especially different to the way it was described. Or (being an Ali fan, myself) did I perceive he just gave too much credit to Foreman?
Though Hoffer threads the narrative between the fights very well, telling the story of three fighters that produced the most exciting period of heavyweight boxing there has ever been.
Well worth its paper.
I watched each of the fights described after reading about them and the reason 'Bouts' didn't get the fifth star is that Hoffer must have been watching different fights to me, the Rumble in the Jungle appearing especially different to the way it was described. Or (being an Ali fan, myself) did I perceive he just gave too much credit to Foreman?
Though Hoffer threads the narrative between the fights very well, telling the story of three fighters that produced the most exciting period of heavyweight boxing there has ever been.
Well worth its paper.
November 23, 2017
Highly entertaining account of the five heavyweight fights between Ali, Frazier, and Foreman, with swathes of mostly regretful 1970s American history added for good measure. This book is mostly about Ali, as he cast his bigger than life influence on the other two boxers. I'm not sure I agree with the credit the author gives these fights for holding together a fraying country. They were just boxing matches, after all, if not memorable and charismatic ones. The story of these famous boxers is more emblematic of the American Experience; the bitter Frazier at the end living in a room above a boxing gym, versus the insanely successful Foreman morphed into a backyard oven huckster. The book finishes with the irony of the warmly grinning Foreman being the one left standing at the end.
July 24, 2014
Might have been 4 stars if I hadn't read many books on the same material that were more thorough or more unique (Mark Kram's GHOSTS OF MANILA, for instance), but it would have been a low 4. This book has a lot of zing, but still reads like the best 70s heavyweight boxing Cliff Notes out there rather than a really valid book on its own, especially since Hoffer has no interest on actually following up on all his grandiose statements of the grand American significance of these fighters.
November 30, 2018
Really enjoyed this book which was a surprise as when I picked it up I assumed it would be more of the same regarding those 3 iconic fighters and their careers. But it was more than just the fights themselves but also the backdrop of the world/America at the time.
September 23, 2015
An interesting look at some of the most infamous boxers of the past century.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews