Jordan Brand has officially announced the release of “Air Jordan,” written by author Adam Bradley with a foreword by Michael Jordan.

“Sorry to disappoint you, but this is not a book about the game of basketball. Instead, it’s a celebration. A celebration of 40 years of greatness,” Jordan opens in the book.

This is the first authorized book that’s not focused on Jordan’s life or his athletic career, but on the impact he and Jordan Brand have made in the world.

Vintage poster for the Air Jordan 1.

Original poster for the Air Jordan 1. / © NIKE, Inc.

Book Overview

Divided into six chapters to honor Jordan’s six championship rings, the book brings to life how Jordan Brand, the company, and Jordan the man, revolutionized design, reshaped business, dominated pop culture, remixed style, elevated athletics, and shaped a legacy that will last for generations to come.

The book includes never-before-published items from Jordan’s personal archives, including his college cap and gown, childhood trophies, and historic apparel pieces, which were photographed exclusively for this book.

Image of the Air Jordan 11 basketball shoe.

The Air Jordan 11. / © NIKE, Inc.

Book Details

The cultural dominance of the Brand and the man is embodied through gatefolds featuring everything from hundreds of hip-hop lyrics that reference Jordan to his iconic advertisements with both Nike and other brands.

The book highlights the legacy of design, innovation, artistry, and cultural influence of the Brand and the man himself. Even better, embodying the spirit of greatness, the book features rare materials from Nike’s private corporate archives alongside exclusive images of Jordan’s personal keepsakes, clothing, and memorabilia. 

Michael Jordan's 1998 NBA All-Star Game jersey in packaging.

Michael Jordan’s 1998 NBA All-Star Game jersey. / © NIKE, Inc.

Shopping Information

The first thing readers will notice is the picture jumping off the cover. The book’s cover showcases a never-before-published photograph of Jordan by Annie Leibovitz, bringing to life a mirror image of the symbol that has served as an inspiration for decades.

It will launch in Assouline’s Ultimate ($2,300) and Classic ($123) formats, commemorating the aspiration and excellence of Air Jordan. Online shoppers can purchase the book while supplies last at assouline.com.

Customers purchasing the Ultimate version will receive a limited-edition, Italian-made oversized silk scarf centered around the Jumpman logo.

The Ultimate edition is crafted for collectors and limited to just 1,000 hand-numbered copies. It contains a host of customizations, including an intricately tooled clamshell with elaborate Baroque-style ornamentation, inspired by the laser graphic of the Air Jordan XX. 

Michael Jordan poses for a picture with the Air Jordan 1.

Michael Jordan with the Air Jordan 1. / © NIKE, Inc.

Chapters BreakdownMichael Jordan walks through a hotel lobby.

Michael Jordan wears a tailored suit. / © DMI_The LIFE Picture Collection

Michael Jordan signs autographs for fans at a Nike event.

Michael Jordan signs autographs for fans. / © NIKE, Inc.

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