Foreman, George – By George

Description

Foreman, George ‘By George’ 1995 1st ed. VG+/VG+, SIGNED on frontispiece by Foreman (8) $40.00 each. Another INSCRIBED “George Foreman To Jennifer Yo Pal” VG+/VG+ $35.

By George: The Autobiography of George Foreman is a candid and inspiring memoir co-written with Joel Engel that details the extraordinary life of the two-time world heavyweight boxing champion. Originally published in January 1995, the book captures his journey through poverty, sporting triumph, profound personal transformation, and his historic boxing comeback.

The autobiography chronicles several major eras of Foreman’s life: Troubled Youth: Foreman describes growing up in severe poverty in the “Bloody Fifth” ward of Houston, Texas. He opens up about his relationship with his mother, his absent father, and his early years as a self-described thug, street fighter, and mugger before finding direction through the Lyndon B. Johnson Job Corps program.

Early Boxing Glory & Failure: The book covers his rapid ascent in boxing, beginning with his 1968 Olympic Gold Medal win in Mexico City. He goes on to recount his brutal dismantling of Joe Frazier in 1973 to capture the heavyweight crown, followed by his shocking loss to Muhammad Ali in the famous 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” in Zaire.

Spiritual Awakening: Following a devastating 1977 loss to Jimmy Young in Puerto Rico, Foreman suffered a heatstroke and a near-death experience in his dressing room. He details this profound moment, which led to a religious conversion. He walked away from boxing at the height of his career, became an ordained minister, and spent a decade quietly preaching on street corners and pastoring a church in Texas.

The Historic Comeback: To raise money for his cash-strapped youth community center in Houston, a middle-aged, jovial, and significantly heavier Foreman returned to the ring. Despite widespread skepticism, his comeback culminated in a legendary November 1994 knockout victory over Michael Moorer. At 45 years old, Foreman shocked the world to become the oldest heavyweight champion in boxing history—a perfect, triumphant conclusion to his 1995 memoir.