The Tao of Muhammad Ali
Encyclopedia
The Tao of Muhammad Ali is a book by the American author Davis Miller
, published in 1996. The autobiographical account is notable for its blending of fact with some elements of fiction writing to create a 'non-fiction novel
.' An opening statement notes that some events have been modified for dramatic effect but 'in essence' the book is true.
The story covered concerns Miller's growing up, an unhappy childhood including the death of his mother, his idolising of Muhammad Ali
and Miller's subsequent development as a martial arts fighter. The book also concerns Miller's adult life including his struggle to become a writer. During this period of the book Miller befriends Ali and observes him closely. The book follows a number of themes offering an insight into spiritual needs, the nature of writing work of significant meaning and Miller's own reflections on the lessons life teaches him. The Tao of Muhammad Ali is also notable as an innovative work in the recent genre of 'non-fiction novels' and other works seeking an essential truth and not offering pure fact or pure fiction. Such works are often regarded as an offshoot of the autobiographical novel
.
Davis Miller
Davis Miller is an American author notable for a series of works combining reportage and autobiography. His most famous works are The Tao of Muhammad Ali and The Tao of Bruce Lee, both critically acclaimed bestsellers in the United Kingdom and Japan, and the story "My Dinner with Ali," which has...
, published in 1996. The autobiographical account is notable for its blending of fact with some elements of fiction writing to create a 'non-fiction novel
Non-fiction novel
The non-fiction novel is a literary genre which, broadly speaking, depicts real historical figures and actual events narrated woven together with fictitious allegations and using the storytelling techniques of fiction. The non-fiction novel is an otherwise loosely-defined and flexible genre...
.' An opening statement notes that some events have been modified for dramatic effect but 'in essence' the book is true.
The story covered concerns Miller's growing up, an unhappy childhood including the death of his mother, his idolising of Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali
Muhammad Ali is an American former professional boxer, philanthropist and social activist...
and Miller's subsequent development as a martial arts fighter. The book also concerns Miller's adult life including his struggle to become a writer. During this period of the book Miller befriends Ali and observes him closely. The book follows a number of themes offering an insight into spiritual needs, the nature of writing work of significant meaning and Miller's own reflections on the lessons life teaches him. The Tao of Muhammad Ali is also notable as an innovative work in the recent genre of 'non-fiction novels' and other works seeking an essential truth and not offering pure fact or pure fiction. Such works are often regarded as an offshoot of the autobiographical novel
Autobiographical novel
An autobiographical novel is a form of novel using autofiction techniques, or the merging of autobiographical and fiction elements. The literary technique is distinguished from an autobiography or memoir by the stipulation of being fiction...
.