Synopses & Reviews
A revealing and dramatic chronicle of the twelve months leading up to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination
Martin Luther King, Jr. died in one of the most shocking assassinations the world has known, but little is remembered about the life he led in his final year. New York Times bestselling author and award-winning broadcaster Tavis Smiley recounts the final 365 days of King's life, revealing the minister's trials and tribulations — denunciations by the press, rejection from the president, dismissal by the country's black middle class and militants, assaults on his character, ideology, and political tactics, to name a few — all of which he had to rise above in order to lead and address the racism, poverty, and militarism that threatened to destroy our democracy.
Smiley's Death of a King paints a portrait of a leader and visionary in a narrative different from all that have come before. Here is an exceptional glimpse into King's life — one that adds both nuance and gravitas to his legacy as an American hero.
Review
"A reverential look at Martin Luther King Jr.'s last agonizing year that does not disguise the flaws of a saint....[A] poignant account of King's final struggle. An eloquent, emotional journey from darkness to light." Kirkus Reviews
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"Tavis Smiley has captured not only the spirit of the movement, but the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his last days. We didn't realize it but he knew he was on his way to Jerusalem, and as much as we tried to deter him, he fought back." Andrew Young, United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former Mayor of Atlanta
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"Death of a King is a fitting climax to a noble saga. It is here adequately told and placed before history."--Reverend Gardner C. Taylor
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"Tavis Smiley has brought forward in his book Death of a King an accounting of the last year Dr. King was physically with us -- an accounting very much needed. Tavis rightfully emphasizes the error it is to continually emphasize his martyrdom mostly with no mention of the great work he did. Tavis's book helps people focus on his work and the spirit with which he worked."--Dorothy F. Cotton, Education Director for SCLC, the organization led by Dr. King
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"One of the most important political voices of his generation."--The Philadelphia Inquirer
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"Tavis Smiley illuminates the passion and struggle of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last 365 days."--AARP's Editors' Picks
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"A dramatic retelling of King's final and pivotal year."--Leonard Gill, Memphis Flyer
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"Death of a King paints a portrait of a leader and visionary in a revealing and dramatic chronicle of the 12 months leading up to King's assassination."--Nicole M. Robertson, The Oakland Press
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"Smiley's King is at once more flawed and more human than we have come to see him. But for that reason he is even more courageous, and more admirable."--Clay Risen, New York Times Book Review
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"A gripping, up-close...portrayal of King during the last year of his life.... Succinctly and achingly told."--Scott Porch, The Daily Beast
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"Masterfully crafted....Insightful and uplifting....A powerful testament to the life of a great man." Charles Shea LeMone, The Roanoke Times
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"This book by PBS host Smiley shows a very different world for King....He is, in this book, not a plaster saint, but a multi-dimensional man....The writing technique succeeds in making the story more immediate, King more approachable." Alan Rosenberg, Providence Journal
About the Author
Tavis Smiley is the host of PBS's Tavis Smiley and Public Radio International's The Tavis Smiley Show. Smiley is also the bestselling author of 16 books. He lives in Los Angeles, California.