What Manner of Man: A Biography of Martin Luther King, Jr.

by Lerone Bennett Jr.

A Biography of Martin Luther King Jr. 1929-1968 “An eloquent account:”— Newsday.” (Bennett) has succeeded in giving his readers an intimate look into the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of Dr. King.” — Boston Globe.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction

251 pages, Hardcover

Published June 1, 2000

About the author

Lerone Bennett Jr. was an African-American scholar, author and social historian, known for his analysis of race relations in the United States.

Reviews

[Anthony · Rating 4 out of 5]

An earlier biography of the life and times of Dr. Martin L. King. This book reveals the spiritual growth and mental strengthening of the man and his views on civil rights, non-violence, and the political attitudes of America that became internationally known, and revealed and brought to the social consciousness the disease of segregation and racism in the fabric of a country.

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I knew almost nothing about Martin Luther King, Jr. before I read this book, despite growing up in the turbulent sixties in the midst of racial unrest and racial demonstrations. I am much more aware of MLK's contributions to the desegregation of the United States and his accomplishments and leadership activities. I still don't know much about MLK the man, but there are probably some other books out there on him that would paint that picture.

[Cynthia]

A great leader whose eloquent speeches commanded action. His education combined with his experience and willingness to step out at a time of unrest. Such an untimely loss in the midst of an ugly time in history. He was exceptional!

[Craig Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overall biography. does not have the same depth as other biographies on Dr. King, but stil very good.

[Joshua R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall, I enjoyed this biography about a strong and fearless individual, Dr.King. "One of these days I'm going to have a brick home, and my brick house is going to be as fine as any brick house." (Lerone Benett, 8) King Jr., at an early age, faced the problem that would consume his life. Other white children invited him to their red brick home for lunch. King's mother iorned and washed for the woman who owned the home. The mother of the home shut the door in King's face and directed him to the rear of the home, where a sandwich was left. He looked at the sandwich and the white woman, and then at his mother ironing the white people's clothes. All of a sudden, something snapped inside him. He threw the sandwich on the ground and ran home.

Secondly, By the late 1950s, King was one of America's most sought-after speakers and his name was known in almost every city in America. "King had become a symbol of divinely inspired hope, a kind of modern Moses who has brought new self-respect to Southern Negros." (Lerone Benett, 79)

Additionally, "We call upon them to understand that nonviolence is not a symbol of weakness or cowardice, but as Jesus demonstrated, non-violent resistance transforms weakness into strength and breeds courage in the face of danger." (Lerone Benett, 110) King believed that one of the most potent weapons available to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom was the Christian doctrine of love operating through the Gandhian method of nonviolence.

Furthermore, Martin Luther King Jr. appealed to Birmingham, Alabama. In his speech, "We have always been a peaceful people, bearing our oppression with super-human effort. Yet we have been the victims of repeated violence, not only that inflicted by the hoodlum element but also that inflicted by the blatant misuse of police power." (Lerone Benett, 133) King upholds the issues of inequality in his speech and a crying voice for equality.

In conclusion, King explained, "Not to bring peace, but a sword. A sword that heals, to be sure, but a sword." (Lerone Benett, 191) Martin Luther King Jr. was more than a symbol. His influence had made him a major figure in America and a pervasive one for his movement, his prevailing social force for equality for all became his legacy that he fought for.

[Joyce Haivala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It tells of discrimination and the fight for equal rights. Gandhi’s influence on MLK. And how his thinking evolved. The mental and spiritual anguish Mlk experienced. A guide to understanding myself.

[Miyah Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I definitely RECOMEND THIS BOOK ITS POWERFUL THANKS TO LERONE BENNETT JR

[nooorbibii · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through this book I got to know about martins life and struggles and what of a man he was, the writer covered the most highlighting parts of his life and everything one can know in short.

[Megan]

I didn't finish this one and just couldn't find the motivation to finish it. I admire MLK Jr. and want to learn more of the specifics of what he did but I didn't like the way Bennett wrote. He talked a lot about what MLK must have been feeling or going through internally rather than actual events.