The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

By: Clayborne Carson - editor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Narrated by: Levar Burton

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

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 program 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.

This history-making autobiography is Martin Luther King in his own words as read by others and in his own words and voice: 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; and the reflective, world-famous leader who was fired by a vision of equality for people everywhere.

In original recordings of his own vivid, compassionate voice, here at last is Martin Luther King, Jr.'s unforgettable chronicle of his life and his legacy. Years in the making, and woven together from thousands of recordings and documents, including letters to his family and diary entries, this program is a unique compilation which includes many rare recordings of Martin Luther King, Jr. delivering sermons, speeches, lectures, and addresses. Highlights include "I Have a Dream," "Letter from a Birmingham Jail," and "The Nobel Prize Acceptance Speech."

©1998 Intellectual Properties Management, Inc., All Rights Reserved; ©1998 Time Warner AudioBooks (Packaging Only), A Division of Time Warner Trade Publishing (P)1998 Intellectual Properties Management, Inc., All Rights Reserved; 16 9; 1998 Time Warner AudioBooks (Packaging Only), A Division of Time Warner Trade Publishing

Critic reviews

• Grammy Award Winner, Best Spoken Word Album, 1999

"More than a resource, The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr., is a keepsake." (AudioFile)

Still a relevant voice in 2018

Loved the insight into Dr. King’s work. Amazed by how some of the topics and conditions are spot on and sound like a description of present situations in our society. Brilliant man and the editor did a great job putting this together.

great inspirational autobiography

this is a great autobiography. listening to Dr Kings words and his commitment to nonviolence is second to none. he is an inspiration to all to follow those who seek change.

Deeply Powerful

MLK was a man driven by a deep moral conviction powered by his faith. I was personally moved to hear in his own words how that faith and how that moral compass drove him to seek out justice. King was not just an activist for black civil rights, but he was also a champion of the poor, an advocate for the labor class, and an outspoken critic of the war in Vietnam. I believe that were it not for Dr. King the anti war protests of the late 60s would not have been possible, for he showed the nation what could be accomplished through non violent protest. This was a great book for getting to know a little bit better one of the giants of American history, to whose legacy this nation owes a great deal.

A great enlightening book

Growing up in the south at a time where MLK was not well liked this gives meaning to what he wanted for all people.

Powerful

It is amazing to hear Martin Luther King Jr himself speaking. His message is so strong and eloquent, but to hear it in his voice gives it another level of power. This is definitely an audiobook I will come back to time and again.

Great Audio book to learn about MLK

Great book that is very insightful into the life and career of MLK. It mixes in recorded speeches throughout which let's you hear and learn directly from MLK. Great book that I recommend!

Wonderful and inspiring!

I loved this book from the beginning to the end! It’s so inspiring and encouraging!

speeches could also be read out loud

as much as I move having the original speech recordings in this audible, they are barely understandable. it's such a pity. the speeches could have been added narrated after the original speech clips.

Inspiring

The book was incredibly educating, especially clarifying myths of Martin Luther Ming Jr. it was also emotionally moving and spiritually inspiring, I wish there weren’t the 3-4 glitches where the audio skipped a couple sentences in certain speeches or narrations but that’s not the books fault I don’t think.

Should Be Required Reading

This book should be required reading in every American high school. It's remarkable to me that's so little of Dr. King's life is actually taught to high school students. The Civil Rights Movement and his actions are such a foundational element of the United States of America and this book does a fantastic job of highlighting the spirit of revolution and struggle and Hope that characterized the 1960s.