Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare
Average Rating: out of 13 Reviews
Price: $18.00
Sale: $7.33
Manufacturer: Orbis Books
EAN (European Article Number): 9780883448243
Number of Items: 1
Binding: Paperback
Author: James H. Cone
Publisher: Orbis Books
Dewey Decimal Number: 973.0496073022
Publication Date: 1992-09
Reading Level: 368
Description: This groundbreaking and highly acclaimed work examines the two most influential African-American leaders of this century. While Martin Luther King, Jr., saw America as "a dream . . . as yet unfulfilled," Malcolm X viewed America as a realized nightmare. Cone cuts through superficial assessments of King and Malcolm as polar opposites to reveal two men whose visions were moving toward convergence. (Orbis Books)
Details: This is a fine book, and as good a comparison/contrast of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as you will find. Readers who have some prior knowledge of King and X will find it especially rewarding (Clayborne Carson on King and Alex Haley on Malcolm are recommended). James Cone illustrates the great comparative strengths and limitations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as religious and civil rights leaders for the black community (and their relevance to whites as well). While King had the stronger, pragmatic view of nonviolent civil disobedience, Malcolm had a fuller appreciation of the heart of the black man's outrage, and spoke directly to it. Both men were indeed figures of Prophetic stature, whose life-examples and experiences provide understanding that is timeless and memorable. Cone has done a superior job capturing their respective roles and belief systems. I highly recommend it.
Review Summary: A much needed analysis
Date: 2007-06-04
Details: A thorough analysis of all aspects of the legacy and lives of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. The author attempts to dispel the notion that Martin was some saint who single-handedly achieved everything that was achieved in civil rights, and that Malcolm was a dangerous hate-mongering demagogue.
Taking a more even-handed approach, Cone explains how the two leaders were both great in their own way, how they complemented each other and how there were far more similarities between them than were presented by the media. Also the two were very convergent in their views late in their lives. This is an especially useful book for those who dismiss and disdain Malcolm X.
A great achievement, the only reason it doesn't get 5 stars is that Cone repeats himself quite a bit making the book a bit more bloated than it should have been.
Review Summary: Civil Rights Essential
Date: 2007-04-22
Details: I purchased this book for my American Religious Diversity class and found that it gives you a clear timeline of the Civil Rights Movement and how Martin viewed it as the American dream and how Malcolm viewed it as a nightmare. The book's chapters follow the Civil Rights Movement chronologically by date and discuss Martin's and Malcolm's personal lives, religious obligations, beliefs, priorities, and virtually every other aspect in enough detail to give you a clear picture of the time. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the Civil Rights Movement.
Review Summary: So much insight
Date: 2006-11-29
Details: Dr. Cone really points out the differences between Dr King and Malcolm X like no one else. But more importantly he sees so many simalaities. For erxample Malcom X encouraged blacks to go to Christian churches and get involved in social isues. Further, Dr Cone points out that Malcolm X wanted to go to Law School!!.
Also it is interesting that Dr. King refused to debate their respective postions.
Every time I am in Harlem at Lennox Ave and 125th St. I reflect on Dr Cone's masterpiece.
Have all children and adults read this book.
Darrell Pone,MD
Old Westbury, NY
Review Summary: Martin & Malcolm & America: A Dream or a Nightmare
out of 13 Reviews
