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The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
- Narrated by: Levar Burton
- Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins
- Abridged Audiobook
- Categories: Politics & Social Sciences, Politics & Government
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Publisher's Summary
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."
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)
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What listeners say about The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Sumeet
- 09-01-19
good read
good content but the quality was poor at some sections of the audio. need a remake
1 person found this helpful
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- Akhilesh baghel
- 28-05-20
A BIG SALUTE TO A GREAT LEADER
Enjoyed listening to the speeches in Martin Luther king's own voice. Must read book. I think I would read this book again. A true leader and a devout follower of Jesus Christ. He fought so that others could enjoy the freedom.
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- nischith k r
- 03-04-19
Great man of 20th Century
A Life lived to challenge injustice in society.. Extraordinary life to learn .. Salute to You MLK
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- serine
- 10-04-16
Read this to understand King
The editor of this book used MLKs own words to compile an biography that was commissioned and authorized by MLKs family after his death. In the Audible version, his own speeches are scattered throughout. Magnificent!
I cannot imagine a soul who cannot benefit from reading this book. It is still sadly so appropriate today. Progress has been made, yes. But too many things remain extremely problematic.
Those who post memes about choosing love over hate but who do not post MLK memes about action, duty, justice, fairness are especially in need of reading this book. You are in danger of choosing order over action, something MLK did not respect. In fact he felt that was the most dangerous type of person, "the moderate."
Anyone who thinks MLK was a republican should read this book.
Anyone who thinks MLK would approve of not taking action when police brutality is targeted more at black people than white should read this book.
Anyone who thinks MLK would not call for action when it has been shown that black people are arrested, caged, and punished after incarceration at *much* higher rates than white people who committed the *same* crime needs to read this book.
No matter if you are black or white, if you fail to act, MLK would not be on your side. If you disagree, but have not read his own words, read them. If you choose order over justice, you are the most troublesome type of person in MLKs eyes. Here for the taking are his own words, laid out in historical time, so the reader can understand the full context. All you need to do is read for yourself.
21 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- John-Mark Stensvaag
- 05-08-03
A Fascinating Slice of History
The most powerful aspects of this "autobiography" are the excerpts from Dr. King's speeches. It is stunning to hear him speak to the very first meeting of the Montgomery bus boycott supporters (after first hearing how little time he had to prepare) and to also hear the voices of the crowd chiming in their approval. The text that stiches the speech excerpts together is considerably weaker, because that text was not written by Dr. King and lacks his eloquence. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating insight into a great leader and an extraordinary time in American history.
27 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Garrett Tuggle
- 09-10-17
MLK read by LeVar Burton
This great listen is read by LeVar Burton (Star Trek, Reading Rainbow) and features plenty of recordings of MLK's speeches and sermons up to his death. The content mostly focuses on his contribution to the Civil Rights Movement but there is a bit on his early life.
As an objective listener with little less than a public school understanding of MLK and minor Christian backgrounds, I found this book interesting and inspiring without ever feeling like I was being preached to. I plan on reading more about this great man and the movement he helped inspire.
7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Feliz Navidad
- 11-10-11
Get reacquainted with a legend
This book which is primarily writings of King interspersed with some autio of his speeches is illuminating and heart breaking at the same time. The passages tell the story of King's struggle to achieve justice for the poorest Americans -- black and white -- through non-violent confrontation with corrupt systems in the North and in the South. His words are so apt for today's turbulent times, it is astounding. I feel honored to have spent some time with this man-- and know I will return for a listen to uplift my spirit and for insight, again and again. Beautifully read.
6 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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- R.c
- 29-08-18
Some great chapters, but not all
For an autobiography, the book had a lot less stories about MLK than I had expected. There were some great chapters that covered many of his different protests, and I enjoyed listening to those the most. A lot of the chapters focused on his philosophies, and even though the book was edited from his multiple books, felt very repetitive. It would have sufficed to have his speeches talk about his thoughts, instead of the same things repeated in the narrated parts. I also liked the narration, by LeVar Burton (Geordi/Star Trek), and he has a great speaking voice. I liked how speeches from MLKs life were placed in the book, but there were some problems with the audio. There were parts (including the narrated parts) where the audio skipped or just went mute.
5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Alison
- 16-01-05
A wonderful and inspiring listen
I rarely post reivews but this book was beautifully done. Pulled together from the writings of MLK and featuring many of his recorded speeches this is a wonderful work of scholarship and, with Kings renowed oratory style, especially well suited for listening (though recording quality of King's early speeches is uneven, it gets much better as we move through the chronology of King's life). Sadly for society, his insights and eloquent comments on social inquality and American forgein policy remain right on point. Overall though, this work stands as a testament to the capaity of individuals to change the world.
14 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Twilia Garcia
- 05-04-20
does not give the book justice
I love being able to follow along with the book but, the audio book skips over major parts of the book. This is twice where either audio book or african-american bible study cut content short. Why is the very thing we are trying to stop is still happening?
3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Eric
- 17-02-09
Everyone should listen to this
This was an EXCELLENT book/recording. The way the reading is interspersed with Dr. King's speeches is excellent. The choice of the narrator was spot on. Some of the sound quality of the speeches is low but that is simply unavoidable due to the age and circumstances they were recorded in.
I was very impressed at how Dr. King's faith touched every area of his short life.
Just for everyone's information, I am not African American. But I think that every white person should listen to this to and learn the reality of discrimination that is not entirely removed from society today. (Not only against African Americans but many others too.)
I think every African American should listen to this to get a true picture of who Dr. King was in his own words and hear his depth of faith.
Anyone of would benefit from listening to this recording.
7 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- pk
- 28-09-09
Much more than a dreamer!
I enjoyed this audio book that was created from Dr. King's writings and speeches. The narration by Levar Burton is excellent and made even more compelling by the inclusion of some of Dr. King's actual speeches. We hear about the experiences, the moral and philosophical influences, and the circumstances that propelled Dr. King to the forefront of the civil rights movement. We learn why he maintained his commitment to non-violent and racially inclusive demonstrations while other leaders began to advocate separatism and the use of violence, if necessary. His assessment of Malcolm X and his concerns about the decision of other black leaders to make the slogan "Black Power" a prominent part of the movement are highlights.
I was surprised to learn that in the 1960's, Dr. King characterized the U.S. as a society fueled by consumption and that he believed that the inflammatory rhetoric of the vocal opponents of equal rights was intended to create an atmosphere that would provoke an act of violence. Both of these observations appear to have relevance today.
This is not as comprehensive as a biography; there is little about Dr. King's family life after his early years. However, it provides the details about the various strategies developed and implemented (not always successfully) in the different cities where Dr. King led demonstrations and negotiations, as well as the thoughtful considerations behind Dr. King's controversial opposition to the Vietnam War.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Wade Baker
- 22-06-21
could be a little louder
some of mlks early audio was difficult to hear, and it was narrated just a hare louder, but at work, this was the 1st book I really had to jam my earbuds in my ears to hear. but apart from that? who doesn't love MLK? the man wether you're religious or not, had a strength rarely seen these days.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 23-01-18
Not complete
I planned to listen to this alongside reading the physical book as I usually do. The book itself is fascinating and a very good read. However, the audiobook does not follow along at all, with the narrator missing out entire paragraphs. By the time the audiobook had reached chapter 5, I gave up and returned it. I will just read the physical version instead.
7 people found this helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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- Tahseen H.
- 15-01-18
The narrator misses sections out
What disappointed you about The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr.?
The narrator
What could Clayborne Carson - editor have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?
Hired a better narrator
How did the narrator detract from the book?
My issue is with the audiobook: I intended to follow along with the printed copy but noticed the narrator misses out entire paragraphs!
What reaction did this book spark in you? Anger, sadness, disappointment?
Disappointment and extreme, severe anger.
Any additional comments?
No.
4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Mr. M. Curtis
- 15-03-14
WOW!
Really powerful insight into an incredible man and a social mirror that makes you question your own life and position.
If you want to feel humble and insincere then listen to this. I feel richer for doing so and can't recommend it highly enough. The occasional voices from the man himself made the hair on my arms stand up.
Where do you find more like this?
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 21-06-20
Just golden
Definitely worth your consideration as part of your journey to becomming anti racist. I always knew the man was incredible but this book really captures all that was and connects right to where we are now. A must read!
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Karen
- 01-06-20
Truly inspiring and beautifully put together
What is so lovely is hearing the live recordings of the speaches themselves. The creedom songs added to the ambiance of this recording.
1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Jason Hehir
- 30-07-21
Compelling
This isn't an autobiography in the traditional sense. King didn't write this to be an autobiography, rather it's a collection of his speeches, letters and other writings. Therefore, it's not a history of the man himself or even of the civil rights movement, for example, Selma only gets the barest of treatments considering all that went on there and its importance. What you do get, though, is a peek into some of the introspection that went on in King's mind, of how strategy was formed, what missteps were made.
The interspersal of speeches in King's own voice is great and something that can only be achieved in the audiobook format. The rest is very well read by Geordie LaForge.
If, then, you want a history of Dr King or the civil rights movement, this is not the right book; if you want a glimpse into the mind of one of history's great men, then this is the best there will ever be.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 12-05-21
Loved It
Narrator was easy to listen to great voice & wonderful to hear some original recordings
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- Heather Johnson
- 08-03-21
MLK Autobiography
For me, this was a great introduction, to black history in the US. Aside from seeing the film "Selma", and having a general idea of who MLK was and what he did, I was pretty ignorant of the period and atrocities that the Black community of the US were subject to. This autobiography has given me a greater insight and also curiosity to learn more. Some of the original early recordings were difficult to hear, but I got the majority of it. I liked the narrator, he didn't try to be MLK, had a smooth voice, so nice to listen to. I would recommend this book.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 23-02-21
martin luther king
wow an eye opening book
on the fight to live equal for the rigjts to be seen as whites were,
heartbreaking to listen at times
as a white girl myself no matter what id of stood with my brother and sisters no matter the year
amazing humans martin luther king and his team for doing what was right to fight for what he should of already had freedom !!!! pure hearts ❤
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- Victoria S.
- 10-02-21
An amazing life and a brilliant book...
It was really inspiring to read what hurdles this man, his family and community were able to overcome. A true legend!
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- Vivien
- 11-04-18
We need more leaders like this!
Martin Luther King had the courage and humanity of a giant amongst men! His commitment to equality between blacks and whites has surely been unequalled. This book allows an amazing insight into this amazing man’s deepest feelings and convictions. It is rare to listen to such words of strength and determination! He was utterly committed to non violent protest. He had many successes but the fight goes on.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Lawrence
- 23-07-17
inspiring
Wow! What an eloquent, poetic and awe inspiring autobiography of one of the greatest men to ever live. with rare recordings of MLK and gospel songs throughout the recording. This audio book is a must for all.
2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Cat
- 28-01-18
Powerful
You need to listen to this book. God bless Martin Luther King jnr and his family
1 person found this helpful
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- John Perez
- 02-05-22
A passion and conviction that we need today
An inspiring message of hope for our times. Beautifully produced! An inspiring biography showing us the courage we need in our times.
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- Anonymous User
- 13-09-21
Great Audiobook
Really enjoyed this book, great story about a great man; a must-read for anyone who wants an overview of Martin Luther-King Jr’s life and the great contribution he made to what we may be taking for granted now. Thank God for him and his work!
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- Pete Sab
- 07-04-21
Audio Book Over Paper Copy!
An exceptional rendition of MLK's autobiography. A truly inspiring piece, bringing the man to life through live recordings, memiors and letters which reveal his depth of belief and dedication. Essential listening.
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- Hiro
- 19-07-17
One of the best I've ever listened to
Well edited and brilliantly narrated.
The greatest strength of this book is, of course, his towering speeches. And here lies the importance of this book as an audio format.
One can't help but being shaken by his rhetorical intelligence and an unparalleled power as an orator.
And a courage he possessed and a life lived according to his unflinching conviction of nonviolence.
