In "Arthur Ashe" by Raymond Arsenault, the life of an American icon is unraveled with the depth and clarity it rightfully deserves. This authoritative biography charts the journey of Ashe from the segregated tennis courts of Richmond, Virginia, to the summit of international tennis fame, breaking not just the color barrier but also emerging as a formidable voice in the civil rights movement and beyond. Born into the harsh realities of Jim Crow America, Ashe's indomitable spirit and unmatched skill propelled him into the annals of sports history as the first African American to win the US Open, the Australian Open, and Wimbledon, transforming him from a sports legend into a national hero. But Arsenault's narrative delves much deeper than Ashe's achievements on the court. It explores his profound impact off it as a human rights activist, philanthropist, and public intellectual. Facing the challenges of a serious heart condition and later, a battle with AIDS acquired from a blood transfusion, Ashe's resolve only strengthened, dedicating his life to advocacy and education on the disease. Through meticulous research and over a hundred interviews, Arsenault crafts a poignant and inspiring tale of Ashe's life, one marked by dignity, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to justice. This biography is not just the story of a tennis star but a richly detailed account of a man who wielded his influence to foster change, leaving behind a legacy that transcends sports.