Uploaded September 2020 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Following on his award-winning Soul Trilogy, the author and broadcaster describes how the legendary boxer made his remarkable transformation from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. With his eye for detail and knack for assessing the wider cultural and political context, Cosgrove describes how Cassius X, as he was briefly known, embraced the ideas of Black Power on the cusp of becoming the greatest sportsman of all time. Stuart Cosgrove’s intensive research and sweeping storytelling also shines a new light on how black music lit up the sixties against a backdrop of social and political turmoil.
“An engrossing and revelatory read… and a great playlist. You do not have to be a fan of boxing or soul music to love this book” – Val McDermid
About the author: Stuart Cosgrove was media editor with the NME and a feature writer for a range of newspapers and magazines. In 2005 he was named Broadcaster of the Year in the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards and in 2012 he won numerous awards including a BAFTA and Royal Television Society award for Channel 4’s coverage of the London Paralympics 2012. The second book in his Soul Trilogy, Memphis 68, won the Penderyn Music Prize in 2018.
In conversation with Alan Bett.
In association with the charity StageTEXT, this event will include live surtitles for people with hearing loss. To find out more go to stagetext.org.
Supported by The Castansa Trust.
You can purchase titles relating to this event from the Festival Bookshop online - bookshop.wigtownbookfestival.com
Following on his award-winning Soul Trilogy, the author and broadcaster describes how the legendary boxer made his remarkable transformation from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. With his eye for detail and knack for assessing the wider cultural and political context, Cosgrove describes how Cassius X, as he was briefly known, embraced the ideas of Black Power on the cusp of becoming the greatest sportsman of all time. Stuart Cosgrove’s intensive research and sweeping storytelling also shines a new light on how black music lit up the sixties against a backdrop of social and political turmoil.
“An engrossing and revelatory read… and a great playlist. You do not have to be a fan of boxing or soul music to love this book” – Val McDermid
About the author: Stuart Cosgrove was media editor with the NME and a feature writer for a range of newspapers and magazines. In 2005 he was named Broadcaster of the Year in the Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland Awards and in 2012 he won numerous awards including a BAFTA and Royal Television Society award for Channel 4’s coverage of the London Paralympics 2012. The second book in his Soul Trilogy, Memphis 68, won the Penderyn Music Prize in 2018.
In conversation with Alan Bett.
In association with the charity StageTEXT, this event will include live surtitles for people with hearing loss. To find out more go to stagetext.org.
Supported by The Castansa Trust.
You can purchase titles relating to this event from the Festival Bookshop online - bookshop.wigtownbookfestival.com
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