The Essential Martin Luther King, Jr.: "I Have a Dream" and Other Great Writings

by Martin Luther King Jr., Clayborne Carson (Editor)

A collection of the most well-known and treasured writings and speeches of Dr. King, available for the first time as an ebook

The Essential Martin Luther King, Jr. is the ultimate collection of Dr. King's most inspirational and transformative speeches and sermons, accessibly available for the first time as an ebook. Here, in Dr. King's own words, are writings that reveal an intellectual struggle and growth as fierce and alive as any chronicle of his political life could possibly be. Included amongst the twenty selections are Dr. King's most influential and persuasive works such as "I Have a Dream" and "Letter from Birmingham Jail" but also the essay "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence," and his last sermon "I See the Promised Land," preached the day before he was assassinated.

Published in honor of the 50th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, The Essential Martin Luther King, Jr. includes twenty selections that celebrate the life's work of our most visionary thinkers. Collectively, they bring us Dr. King in many roles—philosopher, theologian, orator, essayist, and author—and further cement the most powerful and enduring words of a man who touched the conscience of the nation and world.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Politics, Essays, Biography, Race, American

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the pivotal leaders of the American civil rights movement. King was a Baptist minister, one of the few leadership roles available to black men at the time. He became a civil rights activist early in his career. He led the Montgomery Bus Boycott (1955–1956) and helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (1957), serving as its first president. His efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Here he raised public consciousness of the civil rights movement and established himself as one of the greatest orators in U.S. history. In 1964, King became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day was established as a national holiday in the United States in 1986. In 2004, King was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.

Reviews

[zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

great compilation, great works included. it is so easy to forget how profound MLK was, but also how sometimes he was wrong about things (especially that speech on india!). i think it's so important to take the time out to actually engage with dr. king's work and words rather than assuming you know, or even reading other people's interpretations of him. the man spoke for himself, and powerfully so.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essential MLK Jr.
Our nation is caught up in the drum major instinct. I must be first. I must be supreme. Our nation must rule the world. And I am sad to say that the nation in which we live is the supreme culprit. I I’m going to continue to say it to America, because I love this country too much to see the drift that it has taken.

I know you are asking today, How long will it take? How long? Not long, because…no lie can live forever; you still reap what you sow; the arm of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards justice; cause mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord…Our God is marching on!

Let us march on ballot boxes until we send to our city councils, state legislatures, and the US Congress men/women who will not fear to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God.

Let us not satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

In deep disappointment, I have wept over the laxity of the church. But be assured that my tears have been tears of love. There can be no deep disappointment where there is not deep love. Yes, I love the church; I love her sacred walls. How could I do otherwise? But, oh! How we have blemished and scarred that body through social neglect and fear of being nonconformists.

Was not Jesus an extremist in love when he said, Love your enemies. Was not Amos an extremist for justice - Let just roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. So the question is not whether we will be extremist but what kind of extremist will we be. For hate or for love?

I am sorry that your statement did not express a similar concern for the conditions that brought the demonstrations into being…and grapple with the underlying causes. (Letter from Birmingham Jail)

Yes my friend, my feet is tired but my soul is rested.

Now it is a living reality that has been validated in the experiences of everyday life. Perhaps the suffering, frustration and agonizing moments which I have had to undergo ocassionally as a result of my involvement in a difficult struggle have drawn me closer to God. Whatever the cause, God has been profoundly real to me in recent months. In the midst of outer dangers I have felt an inner calm and known resources of strength that only God could give. In many instances i have felt the power of God transforming the fatigue of despair into the bouyancy of hope.

Evil may shape events that Caesar will occupy a place and Christ a cross, but one day that same Christ will rise up and split history into A.D. and B.C. so that even the life of Caesar must be date by His name.

Agape means nothing sentimental or affectionate. It means understanding, redeeming good will for all men. It is an overflowing love which seeks nothing in return.

Some would argue that we are retrogressing instead of progressing. But far from representing retrogression and tragic meaninglessness, the present tensions represent the necessary pains that accompany the birth of anything new.

[Cassandra Passinault Caputo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to do a little research for context for some of the passages, but even 60+ years later many of the words and struggles Dr King spoke of ring true. I’m sure I read, or was supposed to read, many of these in high school and college, I don’t think I fully understood a lot of it then, but it is certainly impactful now.

[Kaylyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m thankful these words were preserved. One of the most lovely things about his big ideas is the sheer simplicity. Basics like love and truth. These writings are gifts.

[Sarah Flynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re ready to have your mind expanded by one of the most profound and compassionate intellects that has ever taken human form, read this book.
We all know the familiar MLK quotes, and they are undeniably brilliant. But even so, I was unprepared for the scope, complexity, beauty, and truth of Dr. King’s writings. I especially found his thoughts on the Vietnam War to be a revelation. I strongly recommend this book.

[Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

What advice would MLK give the BLM movement?

This collection of essays, speeches, etc. shows the evolution of MLK's vision for African Americans, the poor, and the mission of social justice for citizens of the world. A close study of the information collected gives a guide to the philosophical and political power of non violent direct action against injustice. The turning point of his life in becoming a world figure is marked by the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The essays detail the necessity for focused long term leadership for continual political struggle and
mass education. A centralized leadership that defines and focuses on the issues and demands of the political action is important to continually explain and sustain a movement that is dependent on the goodwill of otherwise passive observers. A lack of a leadership structure can lead to a movement's failure due to loss of interest and unfocused or unclear end goals of the political movement.

The value of the book is it reveals how similar and different the SCLC strategy is to the BLM protest and gives historical advice on how to win the hearts and minds of others for the cause of social justice.

[Margie Dorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

MLK--writings still needed and appropriate for our times. A modern saint.

[Patricia Marr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring! A must-read! Puts his words in context which sheds a contemporary light on his thinking.
A book to savor over time.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Powerful writing, still relevant for our time. The book could be improved by adding a bit of context for each piece - just a paragraph. Read this for MLK Jr. Day - perhaps a good annual undertaking.

[Josh Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful. Moving. At times a little bit repetitive because he did have a tendency to reuse effective imagery and phrases. But worth reading for anyone and everyone.

[Bluedays · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am currently half way through this book. This book in general is pretty repetitive. I've read fourteen of the twenty writings that were in it. He repeats himself numerous times nearly all of the speeches. The only reason I am finishing it is because I have gotten this far already. I highly suggest you read the novels he wrote instead. Or listen to the speeches that were transcribed in the book as the tone is better understood.

Another problem I had with this book is that there is no context given to when the speeches were given. For example Eulogy of Martyred Children was given three days after his "I Have A Dream" speech. This speech was given after four children were murderded in a church bombing. This is important to know! It's probably one of the first speeches I see where MLK is outraged and critical of people. This speech also falls prey to the fact that it is much more powerful and engaging to listen to than to read.

Again, I recommended reading his novels and listening to his speeches. There is very little here worth reading. Some gems that stood out though were Our Struggle which is pretty illuminating about the bus boycotts, The Power of Nonviolence, and especially Letter from a Birmingham Jail.

EDIT:

I nearly finished the book, but it defeated me because of how boring it was. It could have vastly been improved if the speeches were accompanied with chapters about the historical context. The only reason I got as far as I did was because I kept looking up names and times and places that he would mention in his speeches. I would highly suggest avoiding this book, unless you need some sort of reference material.

[Milo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Man, I wish Dr. King was still preaching today...

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

How do I even rate this the writing itself is 5 stars but I think the compilation is 4. I would have appreciated a bit of information about each of the events from the editor to frame each of the speeches. I would have liked to know what was going on in the world at the time and why the speech was written to give me some point of reference.

The speeches are still relevant today and still his words spark inspiration. Highly recommend!