Norman Mailer: Works and Days

King of the Hill: Norman Mailer on the Fight of the Century

Mailer's account of the first Ali-Frazier fight, issued as a softcover book by New American Library with over fifty action photographs; first published as 'Ego' in Life. Dedicated to Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.

King of the Hill: Norman Mailer on the Fight of the Century is Mailer’s book-length report on the first Muhammad AliJoe Frazier fight of 8 March 1971, issued in softcover by New American Library in April. It collects, with “over 50 action photographs” of the bout and of earlier heavyweight matches reaching back to Jack Johnson, the text that had first appeared as “Ego” (71.14) in Life. The dedication reads: “For Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier.” Reprinted in Existential Errands (72.7) and Pieces and Pontifications (82.19); see also 75.12 and 83.46.

First published: 1971-04
Form: nonfiction-narrative
Lennon & Lennon: 71.15
Cite as: /works/1971-04-king-of-the-hill
Last updated: 2026-06-04