Bearing the Cross
Bearing the Cross
Book Brief
800
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 1950s-1960s
1986
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In his biography, Bearing the Cross: Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, David J. Garrow follows Martin Luther King Jr.'s role in civil rights protests from the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955 to his assassination in 1968, highlighting his advocacy for nonviolent resistance and efforts to achieve racial equality despite facing significant opposition and personal challenges. The book contains sensitive topics such as racial violence and assassination.
Informative
Inspirational
Melancholic
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
2,531 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Review Roundup
David J. Garrow's Bearing the Cross receives praise for its meticulous research and comprehensive portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr.'s life and the Civil Rights Movement. Critics commend its depth and historical accuracy but note its dense prose can be challenging. Nonetheless, it stands as an authoritative biography rich in detail and context, ideal for scholars and serious readers alike.
Who Should Read Bearing the Cross?
A reader who would enjoy Bearing the Cross by David J. Garrow is likely interested in detailed, scholarly examinations of the civil rights movement, particularly focusing on Martin Luther King Jr. Similar readers might appreciate Parting the Waters by Taylor Branch or Eyes on the Prize by Juan Williams.
2,531 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
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Bearing the Cross earned David J. Garrow the Pulitzer Prize for Biography or Autobiography in 1987, recognizing his comprehensive examination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s role in the civil rights movement.
The research for Bearing the Cross was notably rigorous, involving over 700 interviews with individuals who knew Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. personally, providing deep insights into his life and work.
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Before writing Bearing the Cross, David J. Garrow had already established himself as a noted scholar on civil rights history, ensuring the book was grounded in thorough historical context.
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800
Biography • Nonfiction
United States • 1950s-1960s
1986
Adult
18+ years
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