Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Love: Essential Writings on Love's Transformative Power from the Exclusive MLK Archives

by Martin Luther King Jr.

A remarkable compilation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s reflections on love and its transformative power—a stellar addition to Dr. King’s archives published exclusively by HarperCollins.

“I have also decided to stick with love for I know that love is ultimately the only answer to mankind’s problems.”—Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King, one of the greatest civil rights leaders in history, wrote and reflected frequently about love. He understood its transformative power and the essential role love played in his mission as the catalyst for positive change.

Now for the first time, in this project of the Dr. King archives published exclusively by HarperCollins, listeners will get access to many of King’s writings on love—compiled in a deeply insightful, moving and transformative work of literature. Each section of the book is accompanied by brief introductory editorial remarks that reflect on the historical context of each speech, sermon, and piece of writing, and will further enrich the listener's understanding and appreciation of Dr. King's timeless wisdom.

Love is explored, championed, and debated around the world. It is the central concern of many religious practices. Listeners are deeply curious about its nature. C.S. Lewis' The Four Loves, Thich Nhat Hanh's How To Love, or even bell hooks' All About Love showcase that listeners and writers share this universal longing and fascination to uncover love’s mysteries.

This book represents the first volume in an ""On"" series from the MLK archives, featuring MLK on various subjects. By grouping his work by subject, listeners will get a glimpse at the evolution of his ideas and understand the circumstances in which that theme emerged to lead his concerns.

304 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

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

[Nic]

This feels sanitized and kind of off. It’s mentioned multiple times “published exclusively by HarperCollins” and it feels like a gimmicky use of his words.

That same flattening that often happens with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. seems to have happened here. Essentially editors went through his sermons where he mentioned love, carved them out, and made some notes. In doing so, it read as fairly disjointed. I’d much rather read his words in their entire context as opposed to an edited version that just happens to have a theme word running through it.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a powerful collection of writings/speeches given by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on love. His words are still relevant today. Can you imagine a world where everyone listened to this guidance and truly embraced living a loving life? What a wonderful world it would be. Love is always the answer. This book can be read straight through or by selecting a section to read and quietly contemplate. The book’s messages encourage self-reflection and how we can come together to make a difference through love.

[Dinah Leventhal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned a lot from this book about the concept of agape. But I agree with the reviews that say it ultimately gets a bit repetitive because of the way the selections were chosen and edited for brevity. It whetted my appetite for more of King’s writing but was not by itself ultimately satisfying. Sadly it was the only collection of King’s writings I could find in the bookstore I went to. His writing is still so timely and essential, I would like to see it made available in a fuller presentation.

[Linden Leman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Want to be clear here: the words of The Rev. Dr. MLK Jr deserve a full 5 stars. I read this in January of 2025 and it was such a breath of fresh air amidst the change in administration in the White House. Very centering and a source of strength and hope.

I docked one star because I felt that the collection was unnecessarily long. The latter third repeats much of what is written in the first two thirds.

[Al Owski]

Over half a century has elapsed since Dr Martin Luther King Jr was violently taken from us. Though most of us are aware of his “I have a Dream” speech, we don’t know his spiritual journey, his learning and his growth, his suffering under relentless attacks, and his agonies in the Garden of Gethsemane as it were. This selection of excerpts from his speeches, sermons, and writings will give you a glimpse into the soul of a man who changed the world.

[Stephanie Dargusch Borders · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book I wish every Christian would read. As an atheist myself, it was a bit heavy on the religious philosophy for me, but it’s MLK so I’m into whatever he had to say. Some of the excerpts were a bit abrupt—literally just a paragraph or two. Overall the editing of this collection left something to be desired. The message was so necessary for these trying times though.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indispensable reading for 2025

[Fred La Plante III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Powerful Love

This compilation of various sermons, talks, and writings of Dr. King, Jr. was a great reminder of the power of love. I was moved and challenged to live a life of love, God’s love, to all. I’m glad I read this book!