The Fight

The Fight cover
Good Books rating 3.5
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Technical
  • ID: 9720
  • Added: 2026-01-02
  • Updated: 2026-01-05
  • ISBN: 9780812985962
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2013-09-17
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The Fight by Norman Mailer is a vivid account of the historic 1974 boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman in Kinshasa, Zaïre. Mailer's unparalleled energy and insight bring to life the contrasting personalities of the two fighters, analyzing their moves, characters, and the deeper symbolism of their confrontation. The book is not just a chronicle of the fight but a masterpiece of sports literature, offering a scholarly yet thrilling perspective on the event. Mailer's grasp of the strategic maneuvers and the cultural significance of the match makes this book a standout in the literature of sport. His commentary extends beyond the ring, exploring the fighters' impact on African and American identities. The Fight is celebrated for its refined prose and exciting narrative, making it a defining text in sports journalism.

Reviews
The Irish Times · 2019-04-13
excellent 4.50

The account captures the dramatic tension of the fight, making it feel like a novel. It's a compelling read that highlights Mailer's skill as a writer.

The reviewer praises Mailer's ability to turn a real-life event into a gripping narrative. They highlight the dramatic tension and the way Mailer brings the fight to life, making it feel like a novel. The reviewer also notes that Mailer's account is compelling and illustrates why he is considered one of the best writers of the twentieth century. They appreciate the insightful content and superb writing, making it a fantastic read.


Quick quotes

    Mailer's account of the 1974 Heavyweight Championship fight in Zaire between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman has all the dramatic tension of a novel.

    It's a compelling account of history that illustrates why Norman Mailer is considered one of the best writers of the twentieth century.

    Customers find the book to be a fantastic read with superb writing. Moreover, they appreciate its insightful content.

Boxing Insider · 2019-03-22
good 4.00

The book is both joyful and challenging to read, offering a unique perspective on boxing history.

The reviewer finds reading The Fight in 2019 both joyful and challenging. They appreciate the unique perspective it offers on boxing history, noting that it provides a different view compared to modern boxing narratives. The reviewer also acknowledges the book's historical context and the way it captures the essence of the sport during that era. They highlight the book's ability to transport the reader back in time, making it a compelling read despite its age.


Quick quotes

    Reading The Fight in 2019 (which was first published in 1975) is both joyful and challenging.

    In our era of too many belts, professional boxing has lost some of its allure.

    The Fight offers a unique perspective on boxing history, providing a different view compared to modern boxing narratives.

Triumph of the Now · 2016-11-14
poor 2.00

The book is marred by unrefined and confused racism, which detracts from its overall quality.

The reviewer criticizes Mailer's obsession with race, which they find unrefined and non-thought-through. They note that the book is grounded in confused racism, which detracts from its overall quality. The reviewer also mentions that while the book has its moments, the pervasive racism makes it difficult to fully enjoy. They highlight the need for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to the subject matter.


Quick quotes

    Mailer is obsessed with race but in a very unrefined, non-thought-through way.

    Everything he writes here is grounded in confused racism, moments of which are so bad that they are laughable.

    The book is marred by unrefined and confused racism, which detracts from its overall quality.