Death of a King: The Real Story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Final Year

Tavis Smiley

Sep 2014 · Hachette Audio · Narrated by Tavis Smiley

About this audiobook

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.

Ratings and reviews

An exceptional listen and read. Tavis Smiley performed an eloquent reading highlighting a part of Dr. King's life that I am shocked to learn. I have always believed that Dr. King was beloved and supported by all Blacks during the Civil Rights movement. To hear the opposition he faced from Blacks during that period was not only shocking but disappointing. It proves that we have yet to climb the mountain top. Today's biggest challenge still facing Blacks is unity. Hopefully, one day, we shall still overcome.

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 17 books. He lives in Los Angeles, California.