Biblical syntax and cadences lift The Greatest from sports legend to prophet in this remarkable homage. “In the beginning was Jack Johnson . . . And some many years later, in a different age, God said, ‘Let there be Joe Louis’ . . . And the heavens opened up, and there appeared a great man . . . And he was called Cassius Clay.” Clay’s ascent through the ranks of boxing becomes a matter of predestination, his conversion to the Nation of Islam and his banning from the sport during the Vietnam War precursors to his apotheosis in the “Rumble in the Jungle” with George Foreman. Fortunately, Winter leavens his text with plenty of humor, allowing Ali’s personality to peek through. Roca’s beautiful poster-like oils are built on strong horizontal and vertical lines, the light shining on Ali emphasizing his status as Chosen One. Playful typography allows highlighted words to pop off the page, visual punches to underscore Ali’s determination and personality. A prefatory note gives readers some background and prepares them for the presentation to come. As hagiography goes, it doesn’t come any more unabashed than this—or more effective. (Picture book/biography. 4-10)
