By Clayborne, Ed. Carson - Autobiography Of Martin Luther King, Jr. (Turtleback School & Lib (2001-01-16) [Library Binding]

by Clayborne Carson

For the first time, an edition of Martin Luther King's most important speeches and selected sermons are assembled and available on CD as a value-priced edition. Hachette Audio believes that the timeless message of King, in his own words and voice, are essential listening for any American and for any world citizen interested in American history, social justice, or non-violent protest. We hope to make these incredibly momentous speeches, extraordinary historical documents, accessible to an even wider population via this affordable offering.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Clayborne Carson is professor of history at Stanford University, and director of the Martin Luther King, Jr., Research and Education Institute. Since 1985 he has directed the Martin Luther King Papers Project, a long-term project to edit and publish the papers of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because you might only read one sentence of this review, I have to say this first: THIS AUDIOBOOK IS NOT BORING. I feared that hearing King's most important speeches in their entirety -- not just the famous, juicy clips -- would tax my history-challenged, hard-to-keep-interested brain. Not even close.

A moving and important listen at any time, The Concise King is an absolute must-experience for Black History Month. This collection of the original audio of King's most important speeches includes a brief introduction of each speech, explaining its importance and context. Even the speeches you think you know ("I Have a Dream" "I Have Seen the Mountaintop") are so much more powerful when heard in their entirety. King's vision and passion are moving. His unsurpassed talent in conveying a message with rhythm and vitality will make your heart pound.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audio version of Martin Luther King's most famous speeches. The first was in the early days and a little hard to hear, so don't give up. The sound quality on the others is great.
One of his gifts was the ability to speak to events that were current in his time - the turmoil, strife, and struggles of African Americans in our country - in such a way that moved people to action. His call to action was always peaceful, passionate, and profound.

These speeches should be included in American History classes and probably are in some forward thinking schools.

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an amazing audiobook. This two CD set contains eight of Martin Luther King Jr.s speeches, with introductions before each one detailing the historical issues that each speech relates to.

It starts in 1955 with his speech regarding the Montgomery Bus Boycott, with an introduction written by Rosa Parks and read by Coretta Scott King.

Then it moves to to speeches from 1957, "Loving Your Enemies" and "Give us the Ballot". Then his famous speech of 1963, "I Have a Dream", made at the March on Washington is featured.

The CD's then moves to 1967, with his speeches "Beyond Vietnam", "The Three Dimensions of a Complete Life", and "Where Do We Go From Here".

The final speech is Martin Luther King's final speech, "I've Been To The Mountaintop", which he delivered the night before he was killed in 1968. A powerful speech, with a great introduction.

I recommend this for anyone wishing to learn more about this great man, and who would like to listen to his speeches as they were given, in his own voice. It is very powerful stuff.