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Muhammad Ali: Fighter’s Heaven 1974

In October 1974, Muhammad Ali attempted to regain the world heavyweight boxing championship title that was stripped from him when he refused the Vietnam draft seven years earlier. He faced the brutal, undefeated George Foreman in Zaire, Africa, the fight he had dubbed “The Rumble in The Jungle.” Only weeks before, on August 11–12, photographer Peter Angelo Simon was invited to experience the private world of one of the most famous people on the planet as he prepared mentally and physically for the biggest challenge of his life.

This two-day photo-essay includes many previously unpublished photographs and captures Ali the man, unguarded, away from the glare of the media spotlight at his Pennsylvania sanctuary. It includes a foreword by D.A. Pennebaker, the foremost chronicler of American counterculture in the 1960s, and an introduction by Peter Angelo Simon, who writes: “I shot 33 rolls in the two days. Ali said nobody had ever taken so many pictures of him. I believe these photographs reveal aspects of Ali’s fascinating character not previously seen.” Few photographers got as close to the boxer behind the legend. This extraordinary book reveals the preparation for a seminal moment in cultural and political history.

Please join us for a conversation with legendary filmmaker D A Pennebaker and photographer Peter Angelo Simon to celebrate the publication of Muhammad Ali  Fighter’s Heaven 1974.  The discussion will be moderated by Rolling Stone Deputy Photo Editor Sacha Lecca and followed by a book signing. Courtesy of Criterion Collection, the bookstore will also be screening D A Pennebaker’s film Monterey Pop at 4:30pm on the day of the event.

Participants:

Peter Angelo Simon has explored many forms of photographic expression in his wide-ranging career. His work has been featured in books, advertising campaigns, corporate communication, and magazines worldwide, including the New York Times Magazine and Smithsonian . Simon’s innovative photo imagery has won numerous awards from peer groups such as The Art Director’s Club of New York and Eastman Kodak Epcot Center Professional Photographer’s Award. He currently conducts workshops in his Brooklyn New York studio.

D A Pennebaker is a pioneer of documentary filmmaking. Perhaps his best known film is Don’t Look Back on Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of the UK. His other landmark films include Monterey Pop, Primary and The War Room. He continues to work with his wife and partner Chris Hegedus. In 2013 was awarded an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement.











When: Wed., Sep. 7, 2016 at 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Rizzoli Bookstore
31 W. 57th St.
212-759-2424
Price: Free
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In October 1974, Muhammad Ali attempted to regain the world heavyweight boxing championship title that was stripped from him when he refused the Vietnam draft seven years earlier. He faced the brutal, undefeated George Foreman in Zaire, Africa, the fight he had dubbed “The Rumble in The Jungle.” Only weeks before, on August 11–12, photographer Peter Angelo Simon was invited to experience the private world of one of the most famous people on the planet as he prepared mentally and physically for the biggest challenge of his life.

This two-day photo-essay includes many previously unpublished photographs and captures Ali the man, unguarded, away from the glare of the media spotlight at his Pennsylvania sanctuary. It includes a foreword by D.A. Pennebaker, the foremost chronicler of American counterculture in the 1960s, and an introduction by Peter Angelo Simon, who writes: “I shot 33 rolls in the two days. Ali said nobody had ever taken so many pictures of him. I believe these photographs reveal aspects of Ali’s fascinating character not previously seen.” Few photographers got as close to the boxer behind the legend. This extraordinary book reveals the preparation for a seminal moment in cultural and political history.

Please join us for a conversation with legendary filmmaker D A Pennebaker and photographer Peter Angelo Simon to celebrate the publication of Muhammad Ali  Fighter’s Heaven 1974.  The discussion will be moderated by Rolling Stone Deputy Photo Editor Sacha Lecca and followed by a book signing. Courtesy of Criterion Collection, the bookstore will also be screening D A Pennebaker’s film Monterey Pop at 4:30pm on the day of the event.

Participants:

Peter Angelo Simon has explored many forms of photographic expression in his wide-ranging career. His work has been featured in books, advertising campaigns, corporate communication, and magazines worldwide, including the New York Times Magazine and Smithsonian . Simon’s innovative photo imagery has won numerous awards from peer groups such as The Art Director’s Club of New York and Eastman Kodak Epcot Center Professional Photographer’s Award. He currently conducts workshops in his Brooklyn New York studio.

D A Pennebaker is a pioneer of documentary filmmaking. Perhaps his best known film is Don’t Look Back on Bob Dylan’s 1965 tour of the UK. His other landmark films include Monterey Pop, Primary and The War Room. He continues to work with his wife and partner Chris Hegedus. In 2013 was awarded an Oscar for Lifetime Achievement.

Buy tickets/get more info now