Blood Brothers: The Fatal Friendship Between Muhammad Ali and Malcolm X

An “engrossing and important book" (Wall Street Journal) that brings to life the fateful friendship between Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali

In 1962, boxing writers and fans considered Cassius Clay an obnoxious self-promoter, and few believed that he would become the heavyweight champion of the world. But Malcolm X, the most famous minister in the Nation of Islam, saw the potential in Clay, not just for boxing greatness, but as a means of spreading the Nation’s message. The two became fast friends, keeping their interactions secret from the press for fear of jeopardizing Clay’s career. Clay began living a double life—a patriotic “good negro” in public, and a radical reformer behind the scenes. Soon, however, their friendship would sour, with disastrous and far-reaching consequences.

Based on previously untapped sources, from Malcolm’s personal papers to FBI records, Blood Brothers is the first book to offer an in-depth portrait of this complex bond. An extraordinary narrative of love and deep affection, as well as deceit, betrayal, and violence, this story is a window into the public and private lives of two of our greatest national icons, and the tumultuous period in American history that they helped to shape.

Randy Roberts is the 150th Anniversary distinguished professor of history at Purdue University and the coauthor of the award-winning A Season in the Sun: The Rise of Mickey Mantle, as well as War Fever: Boston, Baseball, and America in the Shadow of the Great War (with Johnny Smith). He lives in Lafayette, Indiana.

Johnny Smith is the J. C. "Bud" Shaw professor of sports history and an associate professor of history at Georgia Tech. He is the co-author of the award-winning A Season in the Sun: The Rise of Mickey Mantle, as well as War Fever: Boston, Baseball, and America in the Shadow of the Great War (with Randy Roberts). He lives in Atlanta, Georgia.