Martin Luther King Jr.

The Letter from the Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr. is an influential piece of literature that has left a lasting impression on history and continues to be relevant today. Written in response to a public statement made by eight white Alabama clergymen, this letter expresses King’s frustration at the slow pace of desegregation in the South and strongly defends nonviolent resistance as a means to bring about change. The letter stands as a powerful reminder of the power of words and peaceful protest to effect real change. With its timeless message and profound insights, it is no wonder that this work remains one of the most iconic pieces of civil rights literature ever written.

This edition comes with a foreword by Dr. Cornel West that provides a modern perspective on the legacy of the letter, and how its wisdom can be applied to current struggles for justice. Additionally, this book contains an introduction from Clayborne Carson, editor of The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr., which further contextualizes the significance and impact of this work. In addition to these features, readers will find helpful explanatory notes throughout the text that further explain terms and concepts used by Dr. King in his argument.