The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
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Overview
Using Stanford University's voluminous collection of archival material, including previously unpublished writings, interviews, recordings, and correspondence, King scholar Clayborne Carson has constructed a remarkable first-person account of Dr. King's extraordinary life.Synopsis
He was a husband, a father, a preacher-and the preeminent leader of a movement that continues to transform America and the world. Martin Luther King, Jr., was one of the twentieth century"s most influential men and lived one of its most extraordinary lives. Now, in a special volume commissioned and authorized by his family, here is the life and times of Martin Luther King, Jr., drawn from a comprehensive collection of writings, recordings, and documentary materials, many of which have never before been made public.
Written in his own words, this history-making autobiography is Martin Luther King: the mild-mannered, inquisitive child and student who chafed under and eventually rebelled against segregation; the dedicated young minister who continually questioned the depths of his faith and the limits of his wisdom; the loving husband and father who sought to balance his family"s needs with those of a growing, nationwide movement...
The New York Times Book Review - David Walton
. . .Mis-titled but otherwise worthy compilation of Kind's autobiographical writings and statements.
Editorials
From Barnes & Noble
Martin Luther King Jr. stands tall as one of the greatest heroes in American history. Not content with a system that saw his people -- or people of any color -- as second-class citizens, he set out to bring equality to the land of his birth, and to the world. Though we lost him far too soon, his words and deeds continue to inspire, to provoke, to educate, and to comfort. The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., compiled from King's own words, reveals the man behind the legend.David Walton
. . .Mis-titled but otherwise worthy compilation of Kind's autobiographical writings and statements.— The New York Times Book Review
Library Journal
Carson (history, Stanford Univ.) threads together what King wrote or said at various times, creating an "eloquent and expressive narrative that moves from the early years to the unfulfilled dreams of the slain Civil Rights leader."From The Critics
Selected by the Reverend King's heirs, Stanford University history professor Clayborne Carson archived the massive papers, videos, and recordings of one of the most influential twentieth century figures. The reader gets a feel for Dr. King as a person who lived the words he uttered. More important is that the audience sees a complete, compassionate, caring human being instead of a federal holiday.Though authorized, this is a fascinating autobiography that provides insight to a time when support of Civil Rights proved deadly. Those readers who seek sensationalism would be better suited filing a freedom of information request to gain access to Hoover's files. Those individuals who want to better comprehend history or simply gain an understanding of one of the previous century's giants, The Autobiography Of Martin Luther King, Jr. is the right stuff.Jack E. White
. . .[I]t reads exactly like what it is: a cut-and-paste job, assembled. . .mainly from King's previously published books and speeches. . .glosses over some of the most important episodes in the civil right's leader's remarkable career. -- Time MagazineDavid Walton
. . .[M]istitled but otherwise worthy compilation of Kind's autobiographical writings and statements.-- The New York Times Book Review