Product Description
Based on years of original research, Never to Leave Us Alone is the first book-length treatment of the prayer life of the famed religious and civil rights leader. Drawing on personal prayers that King recited as a seminarian and graduate student, preacher, pastor, and then civil rights leader, award-winning historian Lewis Baldwin explains how King turned to both private prayer and meditation for his own spiritual fulfillment, and to public prayer as part of his sermonic discourse, as an aspect of his pastoral care, and as a way of moving, inspiring, and reaffirming people in the context of a crusade for equal rights, social justice, and peace.



In the end, Baldwin argues, King's prayer life and reflections offer important keys not only to King the man but also to our own cultivation of core human values. The book includes photographs. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of wise and profound sayings by the civil rights leader draws on books, speeches, sermons, and other sources to present King's views on forgiveness, freedom, God, and other topics. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (8)

MLK had three dreams
We all know about Dr Kings civil rights work, and his I HAVE A DREAM speach.Did you know that he had two other dreams? This book that explains Dr Kings vision for the end of poverty has been out of print 40 years. We could have ended povery a decade ago, except we choose to attach Iraq and blow up a trillion dollars doing it instead of ending poverty.Get the book, read Dr Kings formula for ending poverty, and try to help his dream come true.

amazing book
Very inspiring book and written in such a way that it drags you in and you want to go on and on reading. Very good example of nonviolent resistance movement.

A Wake-Up Call to Heal
This is an amazing and important book, out of print for much too long.It is an impassioned and urgent call to heal.Because it was written in the 1960's it is really two books.Part of the book is of important and historical interest.This involves Dr. King's take on what was going on in the country.

But the other part of the book is Dr. King's rallying cry of "Where do we go from here?"There are so many thoughts I could lift from the book to share.But given the space, here are just a few:

"Together we must learn to live as brothers or together we will be forced to perish as fools."Dr. King goes on to add, "The question now is, do we have the morality and courage required to live together as brothers and not be afraid?"

Dr. King was clearly seeing our drift towards chaos, and just as clearly was warning us that we must move towards community or perish.This is an even more urgent book today as it was in the 1960's.It is a book not only to read but refer back to, over an over.My sermon yesterday was on our propensity to divide ourselves into "us" and "them."Dr. King was a great believer in "us" - and far more eloquent than I can ever hope to be on the subject.Dr. King's point was that if we cannot find our common humanity, we must and will perish.In the end, there is no "them."There is only "us."

Civil Rights 1967
Dr. King's penultimate book provides a snapshot of where we were in 1967.Two turning points had been reached.

First, his program of nonviolent direct action was clearly winning the struggle against old fashioned southern segregation, and Dr. King was looking toward the next step.He believed that the next logical step toward setting people free was a massive government program addressing the problem of poverty.

Second, within the civil rights movement, a "black power" mentality was gaining prominence.Some argued that whites should be excluded from the civil rights movement, and that nonviolence should be abandoned.Dr. King insisted that this approach would only balkanize our country, having disastrous effect, especially on blacks.

As with his other books, the author's brilliance, his scholarship, and his Christian love all come through.

It would be best to read "Stride Toward Freedom" and "Why We Can't Wait" before reading this one.

The Truth Straight From The Source
The beauty and depth of this book is that it tells us about human political relations today even though it was written over 30 years ago!

I also like that it is Martin Luther King in his own words (not some opportunistic interpretation of his ideas) on subjects like:
Black Power
Affirmative Action
Poverty
Love

It also makes it painfully clear the Martin Luther King Jr. was far more extraordinary in his leadership than we give him credit for being today.He thought deeply, connected the dots, and put his life behind his ideals.This is a must read for anyone who hasn't already connected the dots between justice, religion and love. ... Read more

Product Description
Winner of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Book Award and the Christopher Award, this brilliant examination of the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. portrays a very real man and his dream that shaped America's history. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Briliantly written book
MLK was indeed a brilliant man. I first purchased this book while in college. My Social Science prof was allowing us to debate whether or not MLK's birthday should be a national holiday. I chimed in with "aw, what'd he do besides march and give speeches?"The prof looked at me and very quietly said "He changed the country."That got me wondering .... how'd he do that? What did he change?

After reading the book i was forever changed. The book did not gloss over his human frailties. On the contrary, it's a frank portrait of MLK the man, not MLK the angel. His human frailties can never diminish his extraordinary achievements in that most noble of professions- leadership.

Ghandi gave his nation the gift of enduring equality. Lincoln gave his nation the gift of civil peace. MLK gave his nation both.

Let the trumpet sound!

Good Overview
For many of us, the Civil Rights era happened when we were too young to understand. This is a good overview of the man and his times. Many people who were just names before, became people to me.

Although, I believe King made some serious mistakes, I understand for the first time why he should have a national holiday. I had no idea he was such an impressive person. Keep in mind, this book was written by a serious historian; not just someone who wished to canonize King.

A blueprint for change
As a student activist during my college years, I was introduced to this book by one of many mentors. They said that this was a detailed account of how Dr. King and his soldiers pushed forward their agenda for change in America.It was more than that. It was a powerful testament of the conviction of Dr. King and the gameplan for dealing with racist America. He did not work alone but his analysis of each situation proved to be very timely and accurate.Later on, of course, his effectiveness lost a little of its punch but you can not change the success that came from his branch of the Movement. Stephen Oates so elequently noted the techniques and strategies used during the turbulant sixties. It gave me information on how to handle the media, the powers that be, other members of my allies and prepare for possible backstabbers.That was my reason for reading the book.However, I got SSSOOO much more.

Martin Luther King Jr. was a revolutionary.His faith in God was the driving force behind in nonviolent stance. His studies of Gandhi and Martin Luther further solidified his position. Destined for greatness from the time of his birth, MLK was always preparing himself (and being prepared) for that big moment.He was intelligent, charismatic and thorough in approach to segregation. A family man, a minister, a scholar and an activist. This book is a good starting point for not just learning about King but understanding him. He IS (not was) bigger than "I Have A Dream", bigger than boycotts, bigger than nonviolence. Thanks to Oates and this masterpiece, he can be celebrated for what he was, an instrument of change and the Prince of Peace.

Masterful balanced biography
Stephen Oates writes a masterful biography of one of the pivotal figures of the twentieth century.Today we view Martin Luther King Jr. as a saint, and a model of what the human spirit can achieve.In his day, he was viewed by many in the South with fear, hatred and loathing.

It is easy to view this situation in hindsight, and assume that everyone was just ignorant.Oates writes of the complex history, the battles within and outside "the movement" and how divided the nation was at the time.Oates also does not shirk away from many of Martin Luther King's personal weaknesses.In this sense, he humanizes the great leader, instead of canonizes him.

In the end, I am left with three conclusions:
1 - Martin Luther King Jr. indeed found a way to overcome hatred with love, and in doing so helped America avoid a race war.
2 - The message of civil rights was both religeous and personal.Despite today's views of the right being the party of religeon, in his day the southern liberal movement was galvanized in the church.
3 - Despite this, he was a flawed individual.His human weakness does not diminish his accomplishment.

The book is not light reading.Read it.Let it soak in.And comprehend.

The Life of Martin Luther King Jr.
This book was about a big part of our United States History. It was about Civil Rights. Martin Luther King Jr. was a big Civil Rights activist in the 1960's. I learned quite a bit about Martin Luther Kings's life that I did not know before I had read this book.
Martin Luther King was one of the most important people of our country's history. He fought for African-Americans Civil Rights. He was a very determined man, who was alwyas put into jail numerous times for his "peaceful protests". He had given several speeches as well. The author of this book is Stephen B. Oates. He is a good writer, who has written 16 books.He has also won many literary prizes such as the Christopher Award. This book is very well written. He clearly tells the story as if he had experienced it. His strenghts include: Getting actual quotes from the people that were important in this time, having pictures of Mr. King and others, and having footnotes that explained the story more in depth. I can not think of many weaknesses that he has. However, the book was long but I did not expect it to be short due to the importance of the topic. I would reccomend this book to many people. The reason why is because it tells you in depth stories about Martin Luther King Jr. and his life, but it does have profanity and innappropriate content for young children. All in all, this was a very good biography and taught me many things. ... Read more

Product Description
Throughout the 1950s and 60s, the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., led the Civil Rights movement, inspiring generations of Americans and transforming the future of the United States. In his speeches, Dr. King expressed his hope that one day all people, regardless of race or nationality, would be accepted. His belief that nonviolent protest is the key to democracy and his assertion that all humans are created equal are as timeless and powerful today as they were 30 years ago. This collection includes the text of Dr. King's best-known oration, "I Have a Dream," his acceptance speech for the Nobel Peace Prize, and "Beyond Vietnam," a compelling argument for ending the ongoing conflict. Each speech has an insightful introduction on the current relevance of Dr. King's words by such renowned defenders of civil rights as Rosa Parks, the Dalai Lama, and Ambassador Andrew Young, among others. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (25)

Misleading Product
This book was listed as "New" and was priced at a new price too.It ended up being a very used book straight from the public library including all sorts of stamps and stickers with the name of the library crossed out.It even had the pocket that's used to hold the check out slips.This was going to be a gift for my husband for his library, not very attractive.But the worst part of it all was the customer service. The only way to communicate with this company is through a message posting board on their web site.But the only posts I ever saw were my own.When I did follow the link they sent me in my email account a day or two later I told them of my wishes to return the book.Now, the fun began because they kept wanting to counter offer with discounts first 10% off if I would keep the book, then 20%, when all I wanted was to get my money of $40+, shipping not included and get a NEW book before my husband's birthday. Eventually, I had to get Amazon involved to help resolve this.Any_book responded but only to tell me they would take a few days to deposit my refund after they received the book (again shipping not included). And I was running out of time.

False advertising on this one guys.

Hope this helps someone.It may have been a good experience if they told me it was very used and charged me accordingly. BTW - Amazon has a lifetime limit on how many times you can file a claim against a seller. Use them wisely.

Inspiring work
This is a series of Martin Luther King's best speeches with an introduction (I think 11 total) and it'sa terrific book.More than just a civil rights leader, King also opposes the Vietnam War and praises the leader of newly independent Ghana (formerly a colony of the british empire). The theme King hits is freedom. My only difference with King is that he's ultrareligious and I'm an atheist; perhaps that made me unaable to appreciate some of his Biblical references. Notwithstanding, I highly recommend this book.

Very inspirational
My parents and I have listened to all the CDs with the greatest enthusiasm over and over again. The quality is pretty good and the speeches are not extracts, but played in full. Barring few, I have found most of the introductions to be very informative and well presented. I am glad this collection includes both of Dr King's most famous "I have a Dream" and "I've been to the Mountaintop" speeches - I had noticed that most audio tapes include only one or the other, or both in extract form. I would certainly recommend this to anyone interested in great speeches. Also, one may access American Rhetoric website for the transcripts of these speeches to follow with the powerful voice of Dr King.

American that neede change
this is by far the greatest speeches made by dr.martin luther king jr, that changeamerica by far every true american should have a copy of it. i enjoylistening to it over andover again,

An Excellent Resource
I really enjoyed listening to the authentic voices of Dr. King and others on this CD.It has been an essential resource for my students, faculty and staff as well as very important to my community.I have been able to relearn and share the CD with many different settings during Black History month as well as with in the context of the King Holiday in January.This material and the authentic way it its delivered has made the "Black Experience" that much more real to every one I have shared the CD with.

I thoroughly appreciated and enjoyed this version of Dr. King's speeches.
... Read more

Product Description

This picture-book biography is an excellent and accessible introduction for young readers to learn about one of the world’s most influential leaders, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Doreen Rappaport weaves the immortal words of Dr. King into a captivating narrative to tell the story of his life. With stunning art by acclaimed illustrator Bryan Collier, Martin’s Big Words is an unforgettable portrait of a man whose dream changed America—and the world—forever.
Amazon.com Review
In this elegant pictorial biography of Martin Luther King Jr., author Doreen Rappaport combines her spare, lyrical text with King's own words for an effective, age-appropriate portrayal of one of the world's greatest civil rights leaders. From King's youth, when he looked up to his preacher father and vowed one day to "get big words, too," to his death at a garbage workers' strike ("On his second day there, he was shot. He died."), Rappaport imbues the story with reverence.

Acclaimed artist Bryan Collier depicts his subject with stunning watercolor and collage illustrations, balancing glorious recreations of stained glass windows with some of the more somber images of peace marchers and the famous bus that pitched Rosa Parks into the civil rights movement. A brief chronology and bibliography provide additional resources for readers. Here is an exquisite tribute to a world hero. (Ages 4 and older) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Review
It's not really fair for me to rate items I've purchased from Amazon but have had shipped to a school in a state, far, far, away.
I never receive feedback from the schcol as to the condition in which the book was received.And that's okay.I was told they wouldn't be contacting the sender up front.Sorry, I can't be of more help.

Big Words, Best Book on MLKjr
Martin's Big Words is a book that every family ought to own.It's the best introduction to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. that we have come across, something appropriate for even four or five-year-olds.

The illustrations are simply breathtaking, the perfect accompaniment to the simple, direct words.Tracing King's life from childhood, with truth and honesty, children are able to understand the basics of this hero of the civil rights movement.From the first read, my children understood the difficulty of his task, and also started asking hard questions.

If you are afraid of hard questions, I guess this book isn't for you.But I'd encourage you to embrace them.It can be hard to talk about hate, prejudice, why the police weren't always the good guys.However, I have also been able to have beautiful, hopeful discussions with my children about these issues as well.

Postive Book
In Martin's Big Words, the author discusses MLK's life as a young boy and how his parent's positive influence encourage him to be the man he became. The author tells the reader about Martin's life and the other people he studied that influenced his positive mission. The book touches on the beginning of how the Civil Rights Movement began. The illustrations help show how people fought for their rights; giving the reader a better perspective of the past. The author ends the book leaving a positive message about MLK and the changes that came after his departure.
Throughout the book I found the word choice, colors, and pictures were good for the direction the author was thinking as he wrote. I would defiantly read this book to my class. The book is informative to a certain point, because it expresses Martin's actions and words that were important during the Civil Rights Movement. For children who are at the elementary level they can grasp the ideas better than handing them a history book that would be found at the middle or high school level.I think this book has great morals. The author talks about Martin as a young child and how he succeeded into being something great even if the job doesn't pay a lot. The author tells the reader how Martin uses positive words over the negative. At the very end, the author adds important dates throughout the Civil Rights Movement and related sources. Teachers and parents can use these to expand on teaching children in this subject area of history and English.

A very inspirational book from the eyes of an 8 year old girl!
Martin's Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.


I am a 2nd grader who just finished reading this book. I thought this book was inspirational because it taught me about the past. I was proud to see that Dr. King was able to stand up to segregation. We recently did a play in our class about standing up for our rights and this book showed how Dr. Martin Luther King did just that. This book was very easy to read, although there were a few sophisticated words. I am thankful for Dr. King to this day. I highly recommend this book.-- Mia Bella, 8Ribet Academy, Los Angeles, Ca

This is such a wonderful book for children!
This book takes MLK's speech and breaks it down in a way that every child can understand.Its a great book! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

Just Like New!
I was very impressed with Amazon. I received this book in time to share it with my class and the book was like new! Thank you.

A review by Isaiah, Mrs. Bhola's second grade
If you think black folks should be nice to white folks and white folks should be nice to black folks you would like Happy Birthday Martin Luther King by Jean Marzollo. It's about how he made the city be nice to black people. He was a pastor. My favorite was when he died and had a funeral. My favorite part was when he died and had a funeral. Check it out at your library today.

A Favorite in our School
Dr. King is a favorite hero among elementary school children.This book is the perfect way to introduce them to the life and philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The language is simple and the illustrations are interesting. I've found that although students know the "Happy Birthday" song, they aren't aware that Stevie Wonder wrote the song as a tribute to Dr. King.We always end our read aloud by singing a chorus of the song.

An effective picture book on an important American leader
"Happy Birthday, Martin Luther King" fills a need for effective picture books for young readers about this important American leader. The scratchboard illustrations, although unusual for this format, create a vibrancy that enhances the text.

This narrative revolves around the statement: "The Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., is famous because he helped our country change some of its laws." Then in simple language it goes on to explain some of the laws he helped change.

It goes on to say, "Poor people, rich people, white people, black people, and people from all around the world listened when Martin Luther King spoke." Of course, there is mention of his 1963 speech in Washington, D.C., where his "dream was that people everywhere would learn to live together without being mean to one another."

This is an excellent book to read aloud to younger students, although as a school librarian, I have seen it used effectively up to the 5th grade (like another reviewer here). Another good title that covers some of the same territory for young readers is "A Picture Book of Martin Luther King, Jr.," by David A. Adler.

First Grade Teachers......A book for you!
I've been searching for a short read about Martin Luther King, Jr. that would excite my first grade students and keep them focused on the background of this great American. The illustrations are lovely and thesize of the book is perfect for classroom storytime. ... Read more

Product Description
With fiery words of wisdom and a passion for justice, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired people everywhere to perform extraordinary acts of courage and ignited one of the most influential movements of the twentieth century. This is the definitive collection of eleven of his most powerful sermons, from his earliest known audio recording to his last sermon, delivered days before his assassination. With introductions by renowned theologians and ministers including Reverend Billy Graham and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, filled with moving personal reflections and firsthand accounts of the events surrounding each sermon, A KNOCK AT MIDNIGHT is Dr. King's living voice today -- an irresistible call that resonates and inspires the greatness in us all.Amazon.com Review
These 11 historic sermons--some complete recordings of entireaddresses, others reconstructed from various church services--makeplain why Martin Luther King Jr. considered his "first calling andgreatest commitment" to be a preacher of the gospel. As an orator heis second to none, drawing his audience in with an urgency thatresonates through every soaring cadence of his familiar, powerfulvoice. Using insights from psychology, philosophy, and the Bible, heappeals to the heads as well as the hearts of his congregations,explaining that personal and social change can only be effected byadopting a morality of love in service of God and humankind. WhileKing's concern for social justice is a common theme throughout, eachsermon is a jewel of literary artistry, as it presents a simpleproblem, examines its complications, and offers a startling and oftenchallenging resolution. Topics range from "Rediscovering Lost Values,"a caution that scientific progress without moral progress can resultonly in a step backward for humanity, to "An American Dream," awake-up call to the "self-evident truth" of equality proclaimed in theConstitution.

Brief introductions to the sermons from spiritualleaders and friends, including Dr. Joan Campbell, Billy Graham,Dr. Robert Franklin, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, offer personalinsights into King's life, work, and legacy. An interesting note fromthe producers explains how the recordings of the sermons (published ina hardcover companion of the same name) were pieced together. In wordand in voice, these are masterpieces of theological literature fromone of the world's great orators, who Robert Franklin rightly says maywell be "the greatest religious intellectual of the twentiethcentury." (Running time: 8 hours, 6 cassettes) --UmaKukathas ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

Knock at Midnight will Knock Your Soxs Off!
A Knock at Midnight - Inspirational from the Great Sermons of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.

The following comments are for the Time Warner cassette audio book version of A Knock at Midnight. The material presented is the original recording of church sermons delivered by Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The audio book consists of 6 standard tapes cassettes. Each cassette plays 90 minuets; 45 minuets per side. Although these are standard 45 minuets per side tapes the actual audio content length varies from tape to tape. For example Tape 1 side A is listed at 37 minuets so the last 8 minuets are blank.Each side consists of an introduction by an associated of MLK followed by the sermon. Unfortunately neither the dates of the sermons nor the locations are documented anywhere in this audio book.

The packaging is as follows: on each tapes side is listed the audio length, person giving the introduction and the usual commercial labeling. Disconcertingly the title of the sermon is not shown on the tape but only on the audio book packaging. The tapes are housed in standard audiocassette plastic boxes. The six tape boxes slip into individual sleeves in a three-panel fold out box. There was no insert booklet. The packaging provides sturdy protection for the tapes and allows easy access.

The issues date from this collection was 1998.I purchased my copy as a remainder in 2010 and it was "factory fresh" in every respect. To my delight the audio quality of the tapes after 14 years in storage were excellent.

It is apparent that some of these sermons were recorded 20 to 30 years ago and the audio quality is not "studio perfect" but nonetheless the clarity and pronunciation and enunciation by MLK are adequately captured on these tapes. You will soon notice that that each sermon has gaps. This is because I assume someone's tape ran out and the reel has to be replaced. I remember well those old reel-to-reel machines.

We tend to forget that MLK was first and foremost a preacher of the gospel in a branch of Christianly that elevated preaching to an art. His convictions and subsequent action grew out of his preaching tradition. This collection of his sermons is just amazing.

Inspired messages
I was very happy to be able to get this in CD form.For me, Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the finest speakers of our times.Even though he has been gone for so long, his messages are inspirational, easy to understand and profound.This has been done very well with excellent reviews before each message.

Excellent
Simply great! A must read for any aspiring individual, puts you right into the heart and thoughts of Martin Luther

American Hero!
Wow! I was born around the time of his death and sadly did not see or hear much about this great American growing up. Then there was a holiday. Then a few more breakthroughs in history with regards to American race relations. Because of the magic of technology this recorded collection puts you right there sitting in the pews up front at the church where this great man preached only the truth. Today you wonder where have our great heroes all gone.

The collection of the sermons was truly uplifting and deeply inspirational even 40+ years since his death - still TIMELY! A tear fell from my eye with everyother sermon. The discussions about his sermons were mostly weak, but I didn't mind. Some of the recordings had imperfections and gaps, but I didn't mind.

Finally I was saddened by the hate that took his life and robbed us of one of our true American heroes who really fought for all of us. Where would this world be today if we had a fearless voice for the people like him still willing to confront hatred at every turn like Mister Doctor Martin Luther King Junior did? I'm sending copies to intelligent, thoughtful people I know who will appreciate his powerful message. I am now looking to read more about his life so I can only try to understand and better appreciate what he meant to America; then, today, and in the distant future.

MLK
Martin Luther King Jr. was a minister and humanitarian, and of course a civil rights leader. Very intelligent eloquent and compassionate. He did walk the walk The Word requests of us. ... Read more

Product Description
More than 120 quotations on the community of man, racism, civil rights, justice and freedom, faith and religion, nonviolence, and peace. 16 photos, chronology. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

mlk's words of inspiration
Every family, especially with young children, should have this little book in its home. I thought and read a lot about Martin Luther King (MLK) Jr. and his ideas. Still, as I read this little book, I could not stop wondering what I would have been able to accomplish had I read the messages of this book when I was younger.Regrets aside, I feel so calmly inspired to do something good for someone else!After all, "Life's most persistent and urgent question is, `What are you doing for others?' . " Moreover, to serve others "you only need a heart full of grace, [and] a soul generated by love" (p. 17).

All seven chapters of the book are insightful, and the introduction and chronology of events before and after the death of Dr. King, Jr are equally valuable reading. It is hard, very hard ,to readthe`I've been to the mountain top'and `I have a dream' speeches without a lump of sadness in one's throat.But in reading the "Proclamation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, 1986" as a national public holiday by President Ronald Reagan , one gets a sense that America has finally turned into a more inclusive direction for all its people.The election of Barrack Obama to the US Presidency is a further step in the same direction. A fascinating, inspirational, some time very deep reading. Highly recommended!

Amavilah, Author
Modeling Determinants of Income in Embedded Economies
ISBN: 1600210465

ISBN: 1600210465
Quotable Arthur Schopenhauer
ISBN: 9781430324959

The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Concerned Retrospection

This is a unique collection of Dr. King's most penetrating insights. It tracks his moral progression and intellectual maturity from when he was mostly concerned about the injustices in the South, to larger and deeper concerns about racism and poverty in America more generally, and in the world at large. It is well known that towards the end of his life he had also embraced the peace movement and became a force for ending the Vietnam War. In this collection one will also see how his views on the war had begun to coalesce and gel with his other humanitarian concerns. Dr. King was no lightweight. He drank deep and kept his moral compass on alert at all times.

Reading Mrs Coretta Scott King's excellent introduction and summary of the major events in Dr. King's life, which itself encompasses the whole of the Civil Rights era, brought back uncertain memories and raised new questions about the goals and tactics of the Civil Rights movement of the past era, including the non-violent aspects of it. In my family only my Grandmother, Mrs. Lula Brown, and I participated in the sit-ins at the local Pine Bluff, Arkansas Woolworth's Lunch Counter. The non-violent movement was coordinated through St. James AME Methodist Church, which was about 8-10 blocks from downtown. Each day, the cowardly "good old boys" knowing that they could throw acid from the backs of their pickups with impunity never failed to show up from the countryside to do so.That is until, violating the non-violent protocol I had been so carefully taught, I snatched one of them off the bed of the truck and began to plummet him. He was terrified, as well he should have been. At great embarrassment, I was kicked out of the non-violent movement.

But the point of this story is that neither my Grandmother nor I ever ate at the Woolworth's lunch counter once it was "integrated." And that is the nature of my concerned retrospection: All the symbolism aside, why, when discrimination in jobs, education, etc. were so much more important, were we getting acid throw in our faces to eat at a place from which, none of us would elect to eat in any case? Even 50 years later, the utter narrowness of the goals we had set for ourselves in the sit-in movement still seems to betray a serious commitment (beyond symbolism) to what our collective community needs really were.This mismatch between means and ends has bothered me ever since being kicked out of the movement.

One can argue that sit-ins were the straw that broke the back of segregation. But was it? Arguably, the forces of resistance simply move the front lines back a few yards and turned their resistance in to a much more serious political movement.The "old Southern Dixicrats" are now called "conservative Republicans." In the mean time Dr. King has been assassinated and we are left singing his praises with no programs, no movement, put plenty of lunch counters to eat at.

Three Stars.

deeply moving
I was perusing through my bookshelf today, and stumbled across a very old edition of this book, "The Words of Martin Luther King, Jr."
Well I'd always noticed it here and there - but today I actually read it.

It's fantastic. It's something else. He was a genius before his time - yet he managed to stand up, at the right time.

Each excerpt makes you think. Very deep and moving.

Powerful. I highly recommend this book.

His fundamental commitment to unconditional love and unarmed truth
This book is a small compilation of quotes from Dr. King's writings and speeches.It's never a bad idea to honor the civil rights leaders and martyrs by reading literature that would again remind us of their struggle.
Through his words we will be reminded of how far we have come:
"I can foresee the Negro vote becoming consistently the decisive vote in national elections." -chapter on Justice and Freedom
Through his words we will be reminded of how far we haven't come:
"...wars are poor chisels for carving out peaceful tomorrows." - chapter on Peace

In one sitting, you could read this book in its entirety.As benefactors of his sacrifice, we should spare a few moments of our time to reflect on Dr. King and his enduring legacy.

Small but effective collection of MLK's speeches
When looking for some words of tribute to use at a church function, I recalled the copy of the book sitting amongst others in my home library.No better orator could have been selected than the revered civil rights leader.My presentation went off without and hitch and for that, I thank Dr. King.

This collection is divided into ten sections, with notable commentary by Dr. King:

1.The Community of Man
2.Racism
3.Civil Rights
4.Justice and Freedom
5.Faith and Religion
6.Nonviolence
7.Peace
8."I've Been to the Mountain Top" (excerpt)
9."I Have a Dream" (excerpt)
10.Proclamation of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by then-President Ronald Reagan

The book begins with a foreward by King's widow, Coretta, and ends with a chronology and sources of the works printed. ... Read more

Product Description

In November and December 1967, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered five lectures for the renowned Massey Lecture Series of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The collection was immediately released as a book under the title Conscience for Change, but after King’s assassination in 1968, it was republished as The Trumpet of Conscience. The collection sums up his lasting creed and is his final testament on racism, poverty, and war.
 
Each oration in this volume encompasses a distinct theme and speaks prophetically to today’s perils, addressing issues of equality, conscience and war, the mobilization of young people, and nonviolence. Collectively, they reveal some of King’s most introspective reflections and final impressions of the movement while illustrating how he never lost sight of our shared goals for justice. The book concludes with “A Christmas Sermon on Peace”—a powerful lecture that was broadcast live from Ebenezer BaptistChurch on Christmas Eve in 1967. In it King articulates his long-term vision of nonviolence as a path to world peace.

Customer Reviews (1)

Great!
If you think you know Martin Luther King Jr. you probably don't. Martin Luther King Jr. was calling people to revolution. ... Read more

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There has been recent controversy in the African American community about youth and their lack of appreciation for the gains of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. This stellar biography is a superb introduction to the foremost leader of the civil rights movement. The story and historical context will be eye-opening for students and a good refresher for others who are too young to have remembered the events. In a gripping narrative style, the biography traces the young Martin, the son and grandson of formidable preachers, to his calling as a minister too, but one who would take on the entrenched racism of the South, and North, through a nonviolent movement that changed the course of American history.

There has been recent controversy in the African American community about youth and their lack of appreciation for the gains of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s. This stellar biography is a superb introduction to the foremost leader of the civil rights movement. The story and historical context will be eye-opening for students and a good refresher for others who are too young to have remembered the events. In a gripping narrative style, the biography traces the young Martin, the son and grandson of formidable preachers, to his calling as a minister too, but one who would take on the entrenched racism of the South, and North, through a nonviolent movement that changed the course of American history.

King's story is compelling, starting from his early nurtured family life in an insular community of blacks in Atlanta. His education at Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary, and Boston University and courtship of Coretta Scott lead into the early days of the civil rights movement and King's leadership role in the major marches, demonstrations, boycotts, and sit-ins that took place, mainly in the South. Critical insight into the Kennedy and Johnson Administrations is given as King negotiates with the presidents for equal rights for blacks. The violent reactions against and hatred of many whites for those seeking racial justice are still shocking today. Against the backdrop of beatings, killings, bombings, threats, and imprisoning, King is portrayed as driven to lift up all Americans, even if it meant martyrdom.

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Written in graphic-novel format. A biography telling the life story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his leadership in the civil rights movement to stop racism, segregation, and discrimination in the United States. ... Read more

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Level 2: Reading Independently

• More complex stories
• Varied sentence structure
• Paragraphs and short chapters

Young Martin Luther King Jr. is having some problems with his best friend, Bobby. First, they are going to different schools this year. Next, Bobby's dad is not letting his son play with Martin. When Martin learns why, he is confused and hurt -- but he learns a lesson that he will never forget. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An accurate and compelling little story
This book is beautifully drawn and simple, yet, effective in its storytelling. It doesn't portray Martin's family as being poor even though it doesn't mention that Martin's father is a minister. But that's not what the story's about. The point, I think, is to look at Martin Luther King, Jr. as an average little boy who's story is all too common of that era.
It's a story about prejudice impacting a kid. In the end Martin does say he wants to change things, and I'm sure kids' will put two and two together, but it's not a biography. It's a description of a life-changing scene from childhood.
... Read more

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Winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize for Biography and the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award, this is the most comprehensive book ever written about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Based on more than seven hundred interviews with all of King's surviving associates, as well as with those who opposed him, and enhanced by the author's access to King's personal papers and tens of thousands of pages of FBI documents, this is a towering portrait of a man's metamorphosis into a legend.

Customer Reviews (14)

One of the best books of the civil rights movement and Dr King
It is one of the most comprhensive books I have read.It read likes a novel.Hard to put down.

The Complete Story
This book is the most comprehensive, articulate book I have ever found about Martin Luther King, Jr., the SCLC, and the Civil Rights Movement. Garrow does an incredible job being extremely detailed. Every meeting, every conversation, every thought during these troubled times is addressed in this book. This book covers the joys, trials, triumphs, and tragedies of the civil rights movement throughout the years.

I was in awe of how much I didn't know about Martin Luther King, Jr. and his incredible journey from pastor's boy to the most inspirational leader of the 20th century.

I loved this book; 4 1/2 stars
There are so many positive things to say about this comprehensive book on Dr. King and the civil rights movement. Garrow's research and story-telling are both outstanding, leading to a book that I couldn't put down and one that provided me with so much information.

One reason I love the book is that I would neither call it an overly sympathetic nor critical portrayal of King. Garrow simply presents the facts in an easily understandable fashion, allowing the reader to make his/her own conclusions. Positive and negative aspects of King's personal life and movement leadership are pointed out; it's up to us to determine his legacy. And in my mind, his legacy is as strong as ever. King sacrificed himself to the cause, and not only in his premature death, but also in living a modest life with virtually no relaxation or leisure. And what he endured at the hands of the FBI just broke my heart.

I was also impressed with the way King and the other movement leaders were humanized. Garrow didn't only list the facts about their achievements and tactical errors, but he also provided great insight into the lives of these men and women.

Here are my two gripes that, in my mind, keep the book just a hair shy of 5 stars. One, I would have liked to have learned more about King the husband and father. I know he wasn't home much, but there was very little information about the type of father he was. And two, the book ends so abruptly. How did Coretta receive and react to the news? How did America react? What was the story behind the assassination? What was his funeral like? How did the movement proceed in the immediate aftermath of his murder? These were things I wanted to learn about.

Despite that, I am so thrilled that I chose to read this book, and I would recommend it to anyone.

A life to ponder
Certainly it was the definitive biography; although there was something troubling about his use of illegally gathered materials that the FBIcollected to damn Martin, the picture painted is a real picture of a real life.Certainly Martin was always an inspiration to me, and I felt that I knew him better as a man after this biography, more so than after earlier ones.

My one major criticism is that Garrow uses a possibly mythical "night in the kitchen" as the spiritual turning point for Martin--I think it more likely that if any night mattered it was that in a jail, perhaps Selma.(Though I don't accept the idea that he chickened out for the Selma-Montgomery march--he had no reason to expect the brutal response that occurred.)Because a night in jail can really make you think about what your values are, whether it is worth suffering for truth, and whether others really WANT the truth.One of the things I think I learned from Martin is that people may not be ready for the truth now, but it is only a matter of time.

I also learned something that seems obvious, but wasn't to many of us.It is one thing to violate an unjust law publicly--and let other people see you unjustly punished.It is another to violate an unjust law privately, for even if you are in the right, when you are punished, this injustice is unlikely to draw the outrage of the citizenry, and you find yourself alone.

Of course, at the time that Martin and the SCLC were active, the courts were basically on our side--the side of the little guy.Now, as far as I can see, the law really only exists to protect large companies.Why, if Martin were to do this now, he'd be sued out of existence for "defaming" and "slandering" the good name of the great state of Alabama!If he couldn't "prove" that America really had given his people a blank check...why then, HE'D be in the wrong.And if he really let the law proceed in its own way, he'd have spent a lot more than one or two nights in jail, I can tell you that!

And from Garrow's book, I believe he still would have done it.He wasn't the initiator, but when fate knocked on his door, he opened it up and invited fate in.And that should be an inspiration to us all. [9]

Riveting It's Not
You must have to really work to turn a life so packed full of meaning and world-changing events into a snoozer of a book. I have no idea how "Bearing the Cross" received a Pulitzer Prize -- certainly not on the basis of its prose. While the author undoubtedly did an enormous amount of research, the book reads like a high school history essay; i.e. a monotonously linear string of events -- "Then King did this; then he did that; then they had an SCLC meeting; blah, blah, blah...". The book virtually no character development; in fact everyone but King are merely names on a page. It took a herculean effort to slog through the 600+ pages, but perhaps the book wasn't meant to be read straight through. Maybe this is one of those research tomes meant for reference by historians -- check out the ample index for the names, places and events you're interested in at the moment and read only snippets at a sitting.

Despite being far too long, the book has a couple major oversights. First, there are no photographs whatsoever -- for someone as widely seen on TV and newspapers as King, couldn't they have sprung for a few pages showing historical events? Second, the book abruptly ends with the assassination -- when King dies so does the book -- nothing on the national reaction to his death, nothing on Ray or the motivation for/theories around the killing.

In sum, great research, poor writing. Perhaps Taylor Branch can edit his multi-volume set into a readable single-volume account. Until then, look elsewhere for a good King biography.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

MLK power of words
Am collecting audios of greatest speeches in history; Listening to MLK you conclude that he was a great orator and a master of speech delivery. I am listening to greatest speeches in history, including Churchill, JFK, Reagan, Obama, Roosevelt and others.Churchill and MLK comes first with Obama in close proximity.

Mighty KING, forever!
This is a wonderful CD featuring King's speeches. Yes, I do wish there are more however, you can still feel King's fire and strength inside these speeches!!!!!!!. Although I was only 3 at the time of the Mountaintop speech, I felt like I had lost my father all over again. This had moved me to tears and now I really know whatmy dad and others like him was fighting for!!!!!!

An excellent compilation!!!
This package is well worth the price. If you love to hear great speeches from great people like Dr. King, then this is definitely a must have. There's no point in talking about the speeches because I dont want to spoil them. The JFK speeches are exceptionally good as well.

One of the Better King Speech Collections
This is an excellent collection of King Speeches. It begins with the 1963 Detroit Speech, where "I Have a Dream" was first heard. This is filled with raw, barbed humor that most people don't presently associate with Dr. King. Next is the March on Washington Speech, which has the better knonw version of "I Have a Dream". Much of that is quite stiff before he gets to the Dream segement. Then we have the "Mountaintop" speech of 1968, which is all the more remarkable when you consider this was done without any notes. It conclues rather fittingly with Bobby Kennedy's eulogy of Dr. King, which is made all the more poignant since Bobby Kennedy was also killed just a few weeks later. Overall great listening and great history.

I Wish There Were More Speeches
The title is somewhat misleading, as only three of the speeches featureKing, while the last is a speech by Robert Kennedy following King'sassassination.There are only four speeches total in this volume, so onehopes there will be more to come. At least the celebrated "I Have aDream" speech of 1963 is featured in its entirety.The speech stillgives me the chills after all these years and remains the standard by whichall speeches should be judged.It is the greatest speech of the 20thcentury, and for anybody to include it complete deserves at least threestars for including it. ... Read more

Product Description
From the author of "Lincoln on Leadership" and "The Founding Fathers on Leadership" comes an insightful guide to how the philosophy of Dr. King can be used to effect positive, long-lasting change in any organization.Amazon.com Review
Leadership motivational speaker Donald T. Phillips, who haspreviously drawn organizational lessons for modern businesses from thecareers of Abraham Lincoln and the Founding Fathers, turns tocivil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. as a role model. Adiscussion of the Montgomery bus boycott, for example, draws out suchprinciples as "Set goals and create a plan of action" and "Involve thepeople." More effective as a self-help book for business than as abiography, it does provide a useful introduction to King's life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

The book effectively integrates a history of King with leadership principles.
Heard MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. ON LEADERSHIP,written
and read by Donald T. Phillips.

The book effectively integrates a history of King with leadership
principles . . . along the way, there's much detail on the Civil
Rights movement of the late 1950s and the 1960s.

In particular, I liked how Phillips used the Montgomery bus boycott
to draw out these five leadership principles:

1. Set goals and create a plan of action.
2. Create a new formal alliance.
3. Involve the people.
4. Seek dialogue and negotiation.
5. Innovate.

In addition, ON LEADERSHIP got me to revisit this classic King quote:
" A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder
of consensus."

If you're interested in the subject of leadership, you'll find this
book by Phillips has much to offer . . . it will also serve as
an excellent introduction to King's life--particularly for any readers not old
enough to have known about his greatness.

Biographical look at Martin Luther King, Jr.
This review is on the audio book of:Martin Luther King, Jr., on Leadership: Inspiration and Wisdom for Challenging Times. Author Donald T. Phillips offers listeners both a biographical look at Martin Luther King, Jr. and a look a King's leadership style.

Listeners will be touched by King's life. The man was peaceful, strong and courageous. However, he struck fear and hatred in the hearts of his enemies. I'm not sure I truly understood the significance of King's speeches or the man.

I believe that God has a plan for each of our lives. It is obvious when studying King the truth in that belief. God had a plan for King's life and King knew it.
King was a man that inspired others regardless of their race.

Few have captured King in the way Phillip has. He seems to peel off the layers and reveal the true man. Well done Mr. Phillips.

Another great book for another great man!
I have enjoyed all of the "On Leadership" books from Phillips, but this one actually made me tear up at times. A wonderful book, and I hope every person who wants to DO something reads it! Thank you Mr. Phillips for writing it!

Great book for leadership development!
I have always wanted to perfect situational leadership and this book gives insight into what that means.

The wisdom of MLK Jr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man ahead of his time.His insights and wisdom were are truly applicable for today's leaders. ... Read more

Product Description
This title is suitable for ages 4 to 8 years. Beginning with King's childhood and following his life through his "I Have a Dream Speech" and subsequent death, this book reveals (in age-appropriate language) how King ended segregation in America and influenced the way we live our lives today. ... Read more

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In 1963, Birmingham, Alabama, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. launched the Civil Rights movement and demonstrated to the world the power of nonviolent direct action. Why We Can't Wait recounts not only the Birmingham campaign, but also examines the history of the civil rights struggle and the tasks that future generations must accomplish to bring about full equality for African Americans. Dr. King's eloquent analysis of these events propelled the Civil Rights movement from lunch counter sit-ins and prayer marches to the forefront of the American consciousness.

With a special new afterword by The Reverend Jesse Jackson. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

Great service
The book was shipped very fast and it was in the described condition. Great !

Sad & Inspiring all at once!
A fantastic book about a sad and yet inspiring period of American history. Martin Luther King describes, in his own words, what happened in Birmingham, AL in 1962-3, what they were trying to achieve, and why it was so imperative that the momentum continue. Relative to reading history books on the topic in class, this account gives you a true sense for how amazing and brave those who took part in this movement are. Despite the massive injustice of the period, these inspiring people, held fast to non-violent protest.

I was amazed by careful mental training that people underwent to enter into protest. MLK describes the need for these individuals to be certain that they could react to physical violence without retaliation. I consider how quick the average person is to react to the most minor of slights in today's daily life. It makes you realize that training to fight is so much easier than training not to fight.

It was intriguing how they constructed the movement, standing fast despite the laws and pressures. Leaders had multiple opportunities to "get out easily". Yet, they held fast together in solidarity. Some even met death as a function of there beliefs.

For those studying the period, this type of first hand account provides the nuance that is necessary to understand the character and moral fiber of these brave individuals.

If Only He Had Lived
Dr. King proves in this book his steadfast bravery and determination.He fought, not for his own glory, but that a whole race of people could be free.Some critics will argue that he did not free the whole South, but he gave other leaders the courage to follow in his footsteps.He was a well spoken man who was sure of himself and who had the ability to inspire people with his words.

It is amazing that he felt the need to justfy something that we take for granted today.I fully believe that the gay rights movement needs a leader like this man, it takes a great person to inspire greatness in others.Dr. King saw evil in the world and he refused to stop until unjustice was abolished.

Transports you to an inside perspective of The Civil Rights movement
Eloquently written with careful word choice and countless metaphors.One cannot appreciate the civil rights movement and mourne its current state until they read this book.

Very highly recommended
When you think of Martin Luther King, Jr., you don't really think of the books he's written - but that can only be because his other accomplishments have been so overwhelming.This is an incredible book, expounding the potential of nonviolent direct action in the context of the then-recent struggle in Birmingham.In addition, Dr. King gives a preliminary look at his "Bill of Rights for the Disadvantaged" - an economic aid package for poor and dispossessed Americans, both black and white.Reading this book over forty years after it was written, the fact that the US has still never addressed (or been made to address) reparations for slavery makes each page shine with renewed vigor.Finally, anyone who thinks Dr. King would not have supported affirmative action could benefit from a thorough reading of chapter eight.Overall, an enlightening and eye-opening insight into one of history's foremost thinkers. ... Read more

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Dedicated to documenting the life of America's best-known advocate for peace and justice, The Papers of Martin Luther King, Jr. breaks the chronology of its series to present King's never-before-published sermon file. In 1997 Mrs. Coretta Scott King granted the King Papers Project permission to examine papers kept in boxes in the basement of the Kings' home. The most significant finding was a battered cardboard box that held more than two hundred folders containing documents King used to prepare his celebrated sermons. This private collection that King kept in his study sheds considerable light on the theology and preaching preparation of one of the most noted orators of the modern era.
These illuminating papers reveal that King's concern about poverty, human rights, and social justice was clearly present in his earliest handwritten sermons, which conveyed a message of faith, hope, and love for the dispossessed. His enduring message can be charted through his years as a seminary student, as pastor of Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, as a leader of the Montgomery bus boycott, and, ultimately, as an internationally renowned proponent of human rights who saw himself mainly as a preacher and "advocate of the social gospel." Ten of the original and unedited sermons King submitted for publication in the 1963 book Strength to Love and audio versions of King's most famous sermons are the culmination of this groundbreaking work. ... Read more