The Fight: Norman Mailer (Penguin Modern Classics)

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Although I have never been extremely interested in boxing, I have always been intrigued by the Foreman versus Ali Fight for one sole reason: its location. As I read the book, I very soon realized that the location fascinated Mailer even more, and that it would take a prominent place in his narrative of the Fight: because it did not only take place in Mobutu's Kinshasa, but the Fight itself was a gift of Mobutu to the Zairois people. The Fight was an emblem of Mobutu’s revolution. Moreover, I think the points he tries to get across, is that the Fight he was writing about was not only the one between Foreman and Ali. Apart from this fight, he was writing about three additional fights that were taking place simultaneously, albeit in different states of completion: Mobutu's, Ali’s Fight against ‘the system’, and the way boxing as a sport was perceived and performed. In the next three paragraphs I will elaborate a bit on my perception of the Fight's place in these revolutions. The now infamous fight that occurred between Ali and Foreman is famous not only for its David and Goliath storyline, but also the way in which Ali won. Though boxing is largely known for its violence and brutality, Ali defeated Foreman simply by weathering his massive punches and eventually pouncing on Foreman when he became tired and defenceless. The closer a heavyweight comes to the championship, the more natural it is for him to be a little bit insane, secretly insane, for the heavyweight champion of the world is either the toughest man in the world or he is not, but there is a real possibility he is. It is like being the big toe of God. You have nothing to measure yourself by. Zaire in 1974, a nation filled with excitement and anticipation as it prepares to host the historic fight between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, is vividly described in Norman Mailer’s “The Fight” opening. Mailer introduces the story by emphasizing the cultural significance and widespread media coverage this battle attracted. Résultat, ils annoncent que le Congo s’appelle Zaïre, maintenant. Et puis ils se rendent compte que ce n’est pas un mot d’origine africaine. Ça vient du portugais ancien[1], en réalité. Mais n’attendez pas un instant qu’il [Mobutu] admette l’erreur: se serait s’exposer au ridicule

In primo luogo l'ego smisurato di Mailer riscontrato in altri romanzi qui si fa piccolo piccolo, quasi prostrato all'ombra del gigante di Louisville: è evidente il fascino che Alì esercita sullo scrittore, e non si tratta solo di una suggestione sportiva. One of the defining texts of sports journalism. Not only does Mailer recall the violent combat with a scholar’s eye . . . he also makes the whole act of reporting seem as exciting as what’s occurring in the ring.” — GQ Although he has appeared in an episode of Gilmore Girls, I’ve never actually read anything by Norman Mailer – a relative superstar in the 20th century literary world. Muhammad Ali. Of course I had heard of him before I read this book – almost everyone with even the slightest interest in sport has. A legendary figure who transcended boxing, and known simply as ‘The Greatest’. What I didn’t quite understand, however, was why he was this celebrated. 56 wins and 5 losses is pretty good, but by no means the best, and although I had heard the famous sound bites he produced, what did a bit of extra charisma do to elevate him above the outstanding fighters in the sport? Norman Mailer, “The Millionaire,” The Fight: Norman Mailer, by Norman Mailer, Vintage International, 1997, p.35-44Norman Mailer takes what is ostensibly a couple of news reports about the iconic 'Rumble in The Jungle' fight and manages to turn it into a compelling narrative. Mailer goes right alongside guys like Hunter S. Thompson in finding a narrative art in journalism that I wasn't aware even existed in the first place. It's not even a report anymore, it's a novel that just happens to be factual. A very good account of the author’s time in Zaire where he writes a vivid account of the 1974 world heavyweight boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman. This fight received worldwide attention at the time. Part historical, part play-by-play and part memoir (Mailer inserts himself in the book), the reader will get an interesting perspective of this fight and the setting in which it took place. Since the book was originally published in 1975, one can easily note that there are sections and passages that would not pass an editor’s eye today, such as when Mailer stated that “Africa is shaped like a pistol, say the people here, and Zaire is the trigger.” He also writes most of the book in a masculine point of view, sometimes a little too much that might make a reader uncomfortable. From one of the major innovators of New Journalism, Norman Mailer's The Fight is the real-life story of a clash between two of the world's greatest boxers, both in and out of the ring, published in Penguin Modern Classics.

Mailer uses figurative language extensively, especially while describing the art of boxing and the psyche of boxers. Some of his similies and metaphors are unbelievably pertinent and clever. This chapter explores the negotiations and planning that went into setting up the battle in Zaire. Mailer provides insights on the goals of the Zairian regime and its head, President Mobutu Sese Seko, who viewed the conflict as a chance to advance his nation’s international profile. The fighters’ training grounds and preparations for the fight are also shown to us. De afgelopen jaren werd mij door verschillende mensen op verschillende momenten hetzelfde boek aangeraden, nu vond ik eindelijk tijd om het te lezen: Norman Mailers Het gevecht, zijn non-fictieverslag van de Rumble in de Jungle, het fameuze boksgevecht dat in 1974 plaatsvond tussen Muhammad Ali en George Foreman. Hoewel ik niets van boksen weet en de sport me weinig interesseert, waren een paar pagina’s genoeg om te beseffen waarom mensen het me hadden aangeraden. Heel soepel roept Mailer dat gevecht tot leven, inclusief de intensieve, deels psychologische voorbereiding. (Die extra lang was omdat het gevecht in Kinshasa, Zaïre werd gestreden en de boksers zich moesten aanpassen aan de omstandigheden ter plaatse.) Of course, the other reason that that fight is so well known is due to Mailer’s somewhat eccentric, if accurate retelling. In the hands of the author the fight was no longer just ‘a fight’, but a battle of the minds; the aged and faded vs. strength and youth; the importance of race and religion in sporting; and, the effects of a terrifying and dark country on the psyche. Basically, for a book about sport, Mailer spends an awful lot of time discussing the politics that surround sport and what it means to be famous.

Sì, forse l'Alì pubblico era uno spaccone, ma quella era la sua missione: ergersi a simbolo invincibile per dare forza e speranza alla sua gente. He has subsequently published both fiction and non-fiction and his books include Barbary Shore (1951), Advertisements for Myself (1959), The Presidential Papers (1963), An American Dream (1964), Armies of the Night (1968), Ancient Evenings (1983), and Tough Guys Don't Dance (1983). At the beginning of the book, he does state that he is going to do this, so it is not unexpected. This will also allow the reader, should he or she wish to continue, to get a different perspective. One part that I did enjoy was when Norman (how he referred to himself throughout the book) went jogging with Ali when the boxer was doing road work. While the pace was slower and he didn’t last the entire length of the run, it was nonetheless something that is not typically found in other books on this fight. The Executioner's Song, first published in 1979, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1980 - an award which Mailer has won twice during his writing career.

Mailer writes the fight itself very well; in these chapters he provides a masterclass in sportswriting. But the vast majority of the book is concerned with the build-up to the fight; Mailer builds the tension well enough, but his attempts to get into the two different personalities of Ali and Foreman skew towards baseless mythologising. The Fight is a much better read when Mailer delivers hints of the humanity hidden under the armour of the great fighting personalities: Foreman's monomania and silence, for example, or the slight whispers of doubt when Ali sees just how much punishment Foreman can put into a heavy bag in training. Nonetheless, Norman was certainly feeling modest on his return to New York and thought he might as well use his first name — everybody in the fight game did. Indeed, his head was so determinedly empty that the alternative was to do a piece without a name. Never had his wisdom appeared more invisible to him and that is a fair condition for acquiring an anonymous voice.” Deeply mixed about this book. Mailer's aggressive, deeply masculine prose is perfectly suited to describing physical activity, so the chapters dealing with the actual boxing match are very nearly perfect: exciting, suspenseful, and just breathless enough. Among the very best sports writing that I've read.

Belongs to Publisher Series

Throughout Norman Mailer's foray into sports journalism he focuses on a variety of topics both within and outside of the boxing ring. Norman Mailer, “The Millionaire,” The Fight: Norman Mailer, by Norman Mailer, Vintage International, 1997, 43 Oorspronkelijk werd Het gevecht (vertaling Willem Visser en Frans Reusink) geschreven als een journalistieke reportage, maar dan duidelijk wel het soort waarbij de auteur vrij spel krijgt – en juist dat maakt dit boek zo de moeite waard. Mailer neemt de tijd om uit te wijden, soms over bijzaken, soms over boksen zelf. Nooit vertelt hij simpel na wat er gebeurt, hij zoomt regelmatig uitgebreid in op allerlei details, en door de heldere structuur (dagenlange voorbereiding en training, ten slotte het gevecht) behoudt het boek zelfs daarbij toch een dwingende kracht.