Arcana:

(ALI, MUHAMMAD) (LIFE MAGAZINE). Graves, Ralph, Managing Editor. New York: Time Inc., 1970. First Edition. Small Folio. Stapled Pictorial Wrappers. Periodical. Very Good - .. 84pp, profusely illustrated in color and b&w. In a protective clear acetate dustwrapper. This October 23rd, 1970 installment of "Life" - America's preeminent illustrated current events magazine - features a cover portrait along with an accompanying four page photo-essay by renowned lensman Gordon Parks of the twenty-eight year old Muhammad Ali as he trained to return to the ring for the first time in three and a half years to face Jerry Quarry in Atlanta. Ali had been absent since 1967 due to his conscientious objection to being inducted into the armed forces during the Vietnam War, and this was the first bout in his quest to regain his vacated heavyweight championship since the courts overturned his conviction which had made it impossible to be sanctioned to fight. A most presentable example additionally SIGNED "Muhammad Ali" in black ink across his chest on the front cover showing its original mailing label, some overall wear and creasing, and a bit of minor paper loss to the surface of the covers. We acquired the magazine directly from the collector for whom Ali - a family friend - signed this, and completely guarantee its authenticity. ISSN: 0024-3019 Inventory Number: 026462