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Cover of King: A Life by Jonathan Eig

King: A Life

by Jonathan Eig

Approximately 679 pages

This biography provides a comprehensive look at Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and impact on society.

Difficulty

Accessible

Pace

Medium

Mood

informative, engaging

Book club

High

Find in a library

Is this book for you?

Read this if you enjoy

  • biographies of influential figures
  • historical accounts of social movements
  • in-depth character studies

Consider another book if

  • you prefer fictional narratives
  • you are looking for light reading

What it is about

"King: A Life" by Jonathan Eig explores the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The biography details King's early years, including his upbringing in Atlanta, Georgia. It examines his education and the influences that shaped his philosophy of nonviolent resistance.

The book chronicles King's rise as a leader during the Civil Rights Movement. Eig highlights key events, such as the Montgomery Bus Boycott and the March on Washington. The narrative delves into King's relationships with other civil rights leaders and organizations.

It also addresses the challenges and opposition he faced throughout his activism. The biography considers King's personal struggles, including his faith and family life. Eig provides insights into King's assassination and its impact on the nation.

The work ultimately reflects on King's enduring influence on social justice movements.

Award recognition

2024 winner

Pulitzer Prize for Biography

United States

View the winners list: Pulitzer Prize for Biography

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