Jonathan Rieder

Rieder gives an analysis of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "Letter from Birmingham Jail," including the context of events leading to the letter and its aftermath. It's truly amazing all he and others endured during this time. Very readable. Two critiques: 1) I would have loved more background and personal information about King (this speaks more to the book I wanted it to be instead of what it was, which is why I don't deduct much from the rating); 2) there are so many references to the letter show more and the author chooses to place it at the back instead of the front (major editor fail). show less

This outstanding biography starts with King's Letter from the Birmingham Jail, continues through King's assassination, and brings King's legacy to the present time. A very moving and striking portrait of Martin Luther King, Jr. and of the state of racism in American society from the 1950's on. A great book.

Read appendix the "Letter" first? inspiring what a "man" I wish this was required reading in schools, helps understand the race tensions in US.

It would have been amazing to have really known MLKJ. The more I learn about him, the more I think that to be true!