reviews
Sep 30, 2007
i hadn't read 90% of these before. it's too bad that really the only thing most people have heard from King is his "I Have a Dream Speech", because although historically important, there are so many even better things that he wrote and spoke about.
especially good were many of the writings that he did near the end of his life. King did not shrink from deeply questioning capitalism, poverty, and the U.S. military's campaigns around the world. King's campaigns in these area More...
especially good were many of the writings that he did near the end of his life. King did not shrink from deeply questioning capitalism, poverty, and the U.S. military's campaigns around the world. King's campaigns in these area More...
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Jul 19, 2011
I'm really enjoying getting to know Martin Luther King, Jr. better. This has also given me a better understanding of the non-violent, passive resistance movement. It is reinforcing my feelings that somehow we need to find a solution to our class problems here in the US. It also reminded me of the fact that although legislation declares rights, it doesn't deliver them. I'm so glad that people, leaders and forces came together in the 60's to start a long-needed movement for civil rights for bl
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Feb 02, 2009
One of the most treasured books in my library, 'A Testament of Hope' is a challenging, provocative, and hopeful anthology of writings from the pen of Martin Luther King Jr. 'Letter from Birmingham Jail' is included, along with excerpts from 'Why We Can't Wait,' popular speeches, and interviews with various publications.
King's capacious mind and fierce courage remain unmatched. His understanding of Christianity was transcendent in all the ways that matter. Today's Evangelicals remain More...
King's capacious mind and fierce courage remain unmatched. His understanding of Christianity was transcendent in all the ways that matter. Today's Evangelicals remain More...
Dec 06, 2008
It is easy to know Dr. King as simply an icon, a hero, a figure from the past, but reading his essays, speeches, sermons, and memoirs is a powerful reminder that he was a truly great and extraordinary man, a spiritual leader, a visionary, an unrelenting proponent of nonviolent social transformation, and an advocate for love and justice in all forms. His writing has moved me to tears on more than one occasion. If you are unfamiliar with either his deeds or his writings, stop what you are doing an
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Jul 31, 2011
I admire the insight this man had into social problems, namely segregation of race and the integration of black America into the norm of everyday life. His work shows a firm command of useful language around the concepts of equality, non-violent resistance, and social organization.
One could translate all his written work on racial inequality from the 20th century directly into Economic Inequality of the world today, and the language, outcomes and values in his writing would be perfectly a More...
One could translate all his written work on racial inequality from the 20th century directly into Economic Inequality of the world today, and the language, outcomes and values in his writing would be perfectly a More...
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Jan 16, 2012
"Hence the basic question which confronts the world's oppressed is: How is the struggle against the forces of injustice to be waged? There are two possible answers. One is to resort to the all too prevalent method of physical violence and corroding hatred. The danger of this method is it futility. Violence solves no social problems, it merely creates new and more complicated ones. Through the vistas of time a voice still cries to every potential Peter, "Put up your sword!" The sho
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Mar 31, 2010
An incredible collection, covering the wide-ranging scope of King's thinking and analysis, most of which we never hear about since he has been restricted to being a Civil Rights leader only, an important role but much narrower than what he was actually doing. King reflected and commented on the economic system, the U.S. international role, the development of other nations, etc., and his thinking remains germane today.
The only criticism I have of this book is that it needed a thicker More...
The only criticism I have of this book is that it needed a thicker More...
Mar 14, 2010
Martin Luther King Jr. is truly a Saint. His words move me to tears often. This is not a book to be read from cover to cover but to be picked apart and mediated upon. If you do not read this book then read his essays and listen to his speeches if you can. MLK was one of God's brightest lights.
Jun 02, 2009
I'm still in the first stages of reading this book, but I really like how some of the writings in this book make references to Christ. Martin Luther King was a pioneer in his time. I would be lead to believe that which I've read so far, this book is definately a good read.
Dec 30, 2008
You can't sit down and read straight through this one, but a piece at a time...fascinating. The man was an incredible writer, not always the person you think he was. I was surprised to realize just how young he was when he died, especially given how much writing is in this thing.
Dec 28, 2010
Brilliant, inspiring--- a shining testament to the power and skill with which Dr. King would express ideas and create powerful imagery through his words. I find this to be a timeless book.
Apr 07, 2010
This is the one of my best collections, This book has so much wisdome inside of it and it reveals Dr. King's heartbeat.
This is a compilation of King's speeches and essays.
This is a compilation of King's speeches and essays.
Jan 24, 2009
Martin Luther King Jr is an excellent writer/speaker and he so clearly spells out the need for love and brotherhood between the races.
Sep 27, 2009
Still haven't finished, there's so many good sermons and speeches. Very encouraging! Haunting to read his words after Barack was voted in.
May 14, 2011
An outstanding collection of this great man's writings and speeches, truly inspirational!
Jan 20, 2009
This book is absolutly amazing and moving i love his speeches its awesome so far!!
Aug 05, 2011
letter from a birmingham jail and time to break the silence - alone worth the book!
Apr 10, 2009
this is an incredible collection of speeches & writings. highly recommended!
Feb 20, 2009
Never really impressed upon me before what a great man he was. Five stars to a great civil rights reformer.
Oct 12, 2007
I haven't read the entire book but no book collection is complete without some material written by Martin Luther King Jr.! The first three chapters blew me away. He talks about how when you are having a revolution against evil and tyranny you don't fight evil by using evil tactics. "Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil by good"
Dec 17, 2009
Amazing collection of Martin Luther Kings writings, he is one of my favorite authors. Explores his belief in Ghandi's philosophy of non violence and its power over hate. This book is a must read for anyone grappling with the war era we are currently living through.
Sep 26, 2008
A book I had to read for class, but this was one of the few books I read cover to cover in grad school. His sermons, letters and speeches have honestly changed my life, thinking and theology.
Feb 07, 2008
Every American who cares about equality should own this book.The title says it all, ESSENTIAL writings of Dr. King. I read something from this book every February in his honor.
Dec 17, 2009
This should be a required read- truly inspirational, it gives a much broader perspective that highlights King's writings way beyond the I have a Dream speech. Amazing.
Aug 14, 2008
What a powerful writer and speaker. His papers and essays make me want to change the world, go to jail, fight injustice, and be a better person.
Oct 23, 2008
For those that can't get enough. This book has all you need to know and believe me, it is an epic read into Dr. King's soul. I love this book.
Nov 02, 2008
Profound Authenticity and knowledge from a man who were he still around could actually get people thinking.
