The book, by author Adam Bradley from publisher Assouline, features rare photos and is available in two editions
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Michael Jordan’s impact on basketball goes well beyond his achievements on the court itself, and a new book charts the outsized role Air Jordan had on basketball and culture at large. Air Jordan is written by Adam Bradley and features photos from across Nike’s archives. The book includes a foreword from Michael Jordan, as well as contributions from Carmelo Anthony, Spike Lee, and other notable figures from Jordan and Nike. It comes as Jordan and Nike celebrate their 40-year partnership.
The book is available in two formats from publisher Assouline, known for its high-end art and coffee table books on subjects like Formula 1, Louis Vuitton, and Picasso. The Classic edition features a previously unreleased photo by Annie Leibovitz, with a pose similar to the iconic inspiration behind the Jumpman logo. The Ultimate edition features a leather clamshell cover and is limited to 1,000 hand-numbered copies. Both are available to order today, with the Ultimate shipping on Nov. 7.
Air Jordan Coffee Table Book
The Classic edition features a previously unreleased photo by Annie Leibovitz.
Air Jordan Ultimate Coffee Table Book
The Ultimate Edition of the Air Jordan coffee table book is limited to 1,000 copies
According to Assouline, the book features rare materials from Nike’s archives and exclusive images of Michael Jordan’s personal memorabilia. The book is divided into six sections, honoring Jordan’s six NBA rings. There are 360 pages total, with 438 images and illustrations in the hardcover.
In the foreword, Jordan emphasizes the book’s focus on Jordan Brand’s cultural influence, writing “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.” The book’s author, Adam Bradley, has written books, including The Anthology of Rap, and co-authored Common’s memoir, One Day It’ll All Make Sense.
The Classic format is available for $123, while the Ultimate retails for a whopping $2,300, both of which nod to Jordan’s jersey number. You can check out images from the book below.
Nike, Inc
Nike, Inc. / Henry Leutwyler
Nike, Inc / Chuck Kuhn
Nike, Inc. / Chuck Kuhn