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Odes on Ali: A Tribute to the Greatest
Odes on Ali: A Tribute to the Greatest is an original and most impressive book of sports writing and an outstanding collection of poetry all at once. It is most highly recommended. -Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite Reviews
Rated 5 stars by Readers' Favorite Review
Muhammad Ali burst onto the boxing scene over half a century ago, dominating the sport throughout the sixties and seventies. Yet, his effect on the sport is still prevalent. He evolved into a true pop culture icon whose image remains everywhere. Labeled the "Louisville Lip" by the press, the then Cassius Clay carved up opponents with his quick wit and sharp tongue as easily and thoroughly as with his rapid, razor-sharp punching. Throughout his career, Ali's highly animated rhyming recitations delivering accurate pre-fight prognostications were as anticipated as his performances in the ring. Ali was the "Poet Laureate of Pugilism." It is in that spirit that author David A. Bates has created "ODES ON ALI" ('A Tribute To 'The Greatest') covering Ali's professional boxing career from his pro debut to the fight in which he captured the heavyweight title for the third and final time. Each fight is recalled in a lyrically rhyming poetry style reminiscent of Ali's own rhyming recitations. A concise biographical portrayal that is an informatively accurate, highly entertaining, read, "ODES ON ALI" was created to be a wonderful walk down memory lane for Ali fans old and new as well as those who might still wonder what all the fuss was about.
Rated 5 stars by Readers' Favorite Review
Muhammad Ali burst onto the boxing scene over half a century ago, dominating the sport throughout the sixties and seventies. Yet, his effect on the sport is still prevalent. He evolved into a true pop culture icon whose image remains everywhere. Labeled the "Louisville Lip" by the press, the then Cassius Clay carved up opponents with his quick wit and sharp tongue as easily and thoroughly as with his rapid, razor-sharp punching. Throughout his career, Ali's highly animated rhyming recitations delivering accurate pre-fight prognostications were as anticipated as his performances in the ring. Ali was the "Poet Laureate of Pugilism." It is in that spirit that author David A. Bates has created "ODES ON ALI" ('A Tribute To 'The Greatest') covering Ali's professional boxing career from his pro debut to the fight in which he captured the heavyweight title for the third and final time. Each fight is recalled in a lyrically rhyming poetry style reminiscent of Ali's own rhyming recitations. A concise biographical portrayal that is an informatively accurate, highly entertaining, read, "ODES ON ALI" was created to be a wonderful walk down memory lane for Ali fans old and new as well as those who might still wonder what all the fuss was about.
- GenresNonfiction
252 pages, Paperback
Published October 19, 2015
274 people want to read
About the author
David A. Bates
1 book11 followersAuthor David A. Bates has been an avid Ali fan for as long as he can recall. From his very first memory of seeing the image of the then brash young boxer Cassius Clay on his family’s black and white television he was hooked. He has spent a lifetime following the boxing great’s exploits both in and out of the ring and collecting tons of Ali memorabilia along the way. He penned his first poetic account after watching Ali’s shocking victory over George Foreman on a live closed circuit broadcast. Well received by all who read it then, eventually it became the initial seed of inspiration for this book that was four decades in the making. Mr. Bates resides in South Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 3, 2016
A month after Muhammad Ali’s death, his words ring so strongly in my head. His lyrics were packed with truth and power.
David Allen Bates’ book "Odes on Ali: A Tribute to The Greatest," takes a fight-by-fight look at the world heavyweight boxing champion in the most perfect format – poems.
From Fight 1-Tunney Hunsaker on Oct. 29, 1960, in Louisville till his final triumph in 1979 against Leon Spinks, Bates’ use of the ode shows the love of a true fan and that fan’s talents as a poet.
He shows the good and the bad of Ali from his beginning with boxing trainer Angelo Dundee:
"The wise veteran trainer
Thought the youngster had it all,
Though Clay’s constant chattering
Drove everyone up the wall."
Were the champ's rhymes even poetry? Was it trash-talking or a made-for-TV version of the dozens? Yes, yes and yes. It was an effective combination of all of the above.
Amazing how someone so large in life and the ring utilized poetry. Muhammad Ali’s wise rhymes intimidated and knocked down his foes, while also uplifting and inspiring millions. His life stayed true to his words as well and his poetry is a spirited gift to the world. Bates takes this spirit and builds upon it in "Odes On Ali."
David Allen Bates’ book "Odes on Ali: A Tribute to The Greatest," takes a fight-by-fight look at the world heavyweight boxing champion in the most perfect format – poems.
From Fight 1-Tunney Hunsaker on Oct. 29, 1960, in Louisville till his final triumph in 1979 against Leon Spinks, Bates’ use of the ode shows the love of a true fan and that fan’s talents as a poet.
He shows the good and the bad of Ali from his beginning with boxing trainer Angelo Dundee:
"The wise veteran trainer
Thought the youngster had it all,
Though Clay’s constant chattering
Drove everyone up the wall."
Were the champ's rhymes even poetry? Was it trash-talking or a made-for-TV version of the dozens? Yes, yes and yes. It was an effective combination of all of the above.
Amazing how someone so large in life and the ring utilized poetry. Muhammad Ali’s wise rhymes intimidated and knocked down his foes, while also uplifting and inspiring millions. His life stayed true to his words as well and his poetry is a spirited gift to the world. Bates takes this spirit and builds upon it in "Odes On Ali."
August 24, 2016
The author via Booktasters provided a copy of the ePub in exchange for an honest review.
David A. Bates’ biography Ode on Ali: A Tribute to the Greatest takes the reader on his professional journey from Cassius Clay to his final fight. The many tools he gathered along the way helped make him a positive role-model.
This detailed and informative account provides insight into his determined character. The reader will be impressed with his integrity, honesty, passion and true grit. Ali was unstoppable.
Ode on Ali is a most impressive biography. Bates honors the spirit, legacy and voice of the one and only Muhammad Ali. How fitting that Bates has written poetry--perfect.
David A. Bates’ biography Ode on Ali: A Tribute to the Greatest takes the reader on his professional journey from Cassius Clay to his final fight. The many tools he gathered along the way helped make him a positive role-model.
This detailed and informative account provides insight into his determined character. The reader will be impressed with his integrity, honesty, passion and true grit. Ali was unstoppable.
Ode on Ali is a most impressive biography. Bates honors the spirit, legacy and voice of the one and only Muhammad Ali. How fitting that Bates has written poetry--perfect.
February 13, 2017
Fascinating way to approach a topic like this.
November 27, 2016
Reviewed for readers favorite
Odes on Ali: A Tribute to The Greatest by David A. Bates is a biography of Muhammad Ali's fights from his first pro boxing match with Tunney Hunsaker in Louisville, Kentucky in 1960 to his final match against Leon Spinks, where he cinched his title as three time heavyweight champion in 1978. Told in verse (the odes the title hints at) Bates offers an unique approach to Ali's life that is also an homage to the boxer's own lyrical style.
With clever titles like "Rabbit Season" that detail Ali's fight with Floyd Patterson to Ali's African Ascension, the title of the poem chronicling his fight with George Foreman, Bates plays off of Ali’s own wit while succinctly encompassing the theme of each poem.
Though Muhammad Ali reached his prime in the boxing scene over half a century ago, he has done so much to capture the public's imagination that his death in 2016 was felt vividly around the world.
With Odes to Ali, Bates manages to create a biography that is both accurate, informative and entertaining, just like the man whose fights he chronicles.
As a fan of Muhammad Ali, I thoroughly enjoyed Odes on Ali. Bates does a great job at bringing each fight to life, cleverly incorporating Ali's own words into the poems in a seamless manner.
I really enjoyed reading Odes on Ali and truly see it as what Bates intended: A Tribute to The Greatest.
Highly recommend to any fan of boxing and the legend that is Muhammad Ali.
Odes on Ali: A Tribute to The Greatest by David A. Bates is a biography of Muhammad Ali's fights from his first pro boxing match with Tunney Hunsaker in Louisville, Kentucky in 1960 to his final match against Leon Spinks, where he cinched his title as three time heavyweight champion in 1978. Told in verse (the odes the title hints at) Bates offers an unique approach to Ali's life that is also an homage to the boxer's own lyrical style.
With clever titles like "Rabbit Season" that detail Ali's fight with Floyd Patterson to Ali's African Ascension, the title of the poem chronicling his fight with George Foreman, Bates plays off of Ali’s own wit while succinctly encompassing the theme of each poem.
Though Muhammad Ali reached his prime in the boxing scene over half a century ago, he has done so much to capture the public's imagination that his death in 2016 was felt vividly around the world.
With Odes to Ali, Bates manages to create a biography that is both accurate, informative and entertaining, just like the man whose fights he chronicles.
As a fan of Muhammad Ali, I thoroughly enjoyed Odes on Ali. Bates does a great job at bringing each fight to life, cleverly incorporating Ali's own words into the poems in a seamless manner.
I really enjoyed reading Odes on Ali and truly see it as what Bates intended: A Tribute to The Greatest.
Highly recommend to any fan of boxing and the legend that is Muhammad Ali.
April 24, 2016
I don't usually read sports books but when I saw this being offered by Booktasters for free in return for an honest review on Twitter I had to get it. I remember watching (actually I was more interested in listening to he and Howard Cosell) Ali with my dad and sisters.
You can tell that David A. Bates has a passion for documenting this tribute to Ali. I enjoyed the introduction which helped explain how the book was going to be formatted but also gave more of the The Greatest's history outside the ring. As I read these odes I was taken back to that time around the TV, listening to Ali as he talked about his fights and when he stepped on the ring waiting to see if his predictions would come true.
I enjoyed this book and even if you aren't interested in sports consider reading this book.
You can tell that David A. Bates has a passion for documenting this tribute to Ali. I enjoyed the introduction which helped explain how the book was going to be formatted but also gave more of the The Greatest's history outside the ring. As I read these odes I was taken back to that time around the TV, listening to Ali as he talked about his fights and when he stepped on the ring waiting to see if his predictions would come true.
I enjoyed this book and even if you aren't interested in sports consider reading this book.
November 11, 2016
I recommend this book to everyone especially poetry lovers and Ali admirer’s. I was surprised by how delightful the book was to read. When I first started reading the book I did not expect to read Ali’s story in poetry form. I thought the book would just include a few short poems. The book starts with explaining the meaning of “Odes “and the author’s inspiration for writing the book. I was delightfully surprised to find the entire book written in the form of a poem. I absolutely loved it! It was beautiful, eloquent and delightful to read. It captured Ali’s thoughts and feeling’s during major fighting events and personal trials throughout his life and career. A definite must read!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews