'An exciting trip through the urban worlds of boxing, soul music, and crime, as Cassius Clay joins the Nation of Islam, becomes Muhammad Ali, and ascends the ranks of boxing to become World Heavyweight Champion during the early 1960s' - Lewis Erenberg, author of The Rumble in the Jungle Filled with colourful details, with a learned eye toward the music of the era, Cassius X hits all the right notes' - Michael Ezra, author of Muhammad Ali: The Making of an Icon 'Crisply written, fast-paced, and original, this book surges with the kind of effervescence we have long associated with a young Cassius Clay. A thoroughly enjoyable journey' - Jonathan Eig, author of Ali: A Life 'Cassius X is a delightful ride in a cherry-red Cadillac, with soul music on the radio and a steady hand at the wheel. Publisher: Birlinn General ISBN: 9781846974762 Number of pages: 288 Weight: 559 g Dimensions: 240 x 160 x 30 mm MEDIA REVIEWS As with his award-winning soul trilogy, Stuart Cosgrove's intensive research and sweeping storytelling shines a new light on how black music lit up the sixties against a backdrop of social and political turmoil - and how Cassius Clay made his remarkable transformation into Muhammad Ali. Thus Cassius Clay will become 'Cassius X' as he awaits his induction into the Nation of Islam.Ĭassius also befriends the legendary soul singer Sam Cooke, falls in love with soul singer Dee Dee Sharp and becomes a remarkable witness to the first days of soul music. He is beginning to embrace the ideas and attitudes of Black Power, and firebrand preacher Malcolm X will soon become his spiritual adviser. Cassius Clay is training in the 5th Street Gym for his heavyweight title clash against the formidable Sonny Liston. A young boy from Louisville, Kentucky, is on the path to becoming the greatest sportsman of all time.

Now a Major Feature Length Documentary: 'Cassius X: Becoming Ali' (Cinema release Spring 2023)

Stuart cosgrove cassius x