Fifteen previously unpublished boxing pieces written between 1952 and 1963.
Demonstrating A.J. Liebling’, s abiding passion for the “, sweet science”, of boxing, "A Neutral Corner" brings together fifteen previously unpublished pieces written between 1952 and 1963. Antic, clear-eyed, and wildly entertaining, these essays showcase a" The New Yorker" journalist at the top of his form. Here one relives the high drama of the classic Patterson-Johansson championship bout of 1959, and Liebling’, s early prescient portrayal of Cassius Clay’, s style as a boxer and a poet is not to be missed.
Liebling always finds the human story that makes these essays appealing to aficionados of boxing and prose alike. Alive with a true fan’, s reverence for the sport, yet balanced by a true skeptic’, s disdain for sentiment, "A Neutral Corner "is an American treasure.