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)

Chirpy Audio

Good book and informative but the audio is chirpy and skipping in two parts of this recording

Wonderful

This book was very impactful on me. It was special knowing Dr. King wrote down these thoughts and stories. The clips of Dr. King’s speeches are a great touch and put this over the edge in terms of worth and enjoyment.

I never knew MLK was vehemently against the Vietnam and all war really. I found this very telling and fitting of his teachings. This book helps you see Dr. King was much more than the I Have a Dream speech and the civil rights movement.

In my soul

Everyone needs to hear this book. I heard it with my soul and I hope it has taught me to be a better person and a stronger person. MLK was an amazing and beautiful man and Im so glad I got to hear this and hear his powerful message. I don't know that I heard things I didn't know, but I heard it in a different way that touched me deeply. I'm so happy i bought this.

fantastic book with some technical issues

fantastic book, loved the narrator and King's speeches bring life to it. only problem is that the audio glitches in about 6-7 places, making you miss out on some things

excellent audio book

I loved this audio book. Lavar Burton reading with live audio from Dr King's speeches and some old negro spirituals make this a classic audio book. Well worth the listen.

Best choice ever

one of the best audiobooks I have ever read.
A brilliant editing work. mixing in recording of speeches.

A book that makes you want to be there by the side of the good doctor.

Seriously mind blowing

Never knew how awesome this man really was. So inspiring and life changing. This book is not one to miss

In His Own Words

There is so much lit out there on Dr. King that it’s easy to just pick up books from top researchers/scholars to learn about pivotal public events in his life. But this book takes his own writings and crafts a story that gives a deeper look into heart and mind of the most transformational leader of the 20th century. And Levar Burton’s narration was superb.

must hear and or read

Very inspirational and renewing of the struggles of America pass and present. regressing to hear

Get to know the sage Dr. King's words

This isn't going to give you an intimate look at his personal life or his tragic assassination, but you'll be more familiar with his philosophy and purpose for tireless work for human rights. Easy listen and will give you a whole new respect for one of the most conscious figures of our times.