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

Tavis Smiley is the host and managing editor of Tavis Smiley on PBS and The Tavis Smiley Show from Public Radio International (PRI). He is the author of eighteen books, including My Journey with Maya. Smiley lives in Los Angeles.

Winner of the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Award

"A reverential look at Martin Luther King Jr.'s last agonizing year that does not disguise the flaws of a saint.... [A] poignant account of King's final struggle. An eloquent, emotional journey from darkness to light."―Kirkus Reviews

"Tavis Smiley has captured not only the spirit of the movement, but the Spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr. in his last days. We didn't realize it but he knew he was on his way to Jerusalem, and as much as we tried to deter him, he fought back."―Andrew Young, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations and former Mayor of Atlanta

"Death of a King is a fitting climax to a noble saga. It is here adequately told and placed before history."―Reverend Gardner C. Taylor

A "microscopically focused biography, which trades in both weighty events and the everyday joys of family life."―Time

"Tavis Smiley has brought forward in his book Death of a King an accounting of the last year Dr. King was physically with us -- an accounting very much needed. Tavis rightfully emphasizes the error it is to continually emphasize his martyrdom mostly with no mention of the great work he did. Tavis's book helps people focus on his work and the spirit with which he worked."―Dorothy F. Cotton, Education Director for SCLC, the organization led by Dr. King

"Tavis Smiley illuminates the passion and struggle of Martin Luther King Jr.'s last 365 days."―AARP's Editors' Picks

"One of the most important political voices of his generation."―The Philadelphia Inquirer

"A dramatic retelling of King's final and pivotal year."―Leonard Gill, Memphis Flyer

"Death of a King paints a portrait of a leader and visionary in a revealing and dramatic chronicle of the 12 months leading up to King's assassination."―Nicole M. Robertson, The Oakland Press

"Smiley also serves as the reader for the audio, a factor that gives another level of personalization to the already gripping narrative. In the introduction, Smiley remembers how when he was growing up, he recited the speeches of Dr. King in order to "find his own voice." And what a voice it is. Smiley's narration is smooth, measured, and backed by a rich, authoritative tone that truly adds another level of sentimentality and familiarity to the audio. Recommended for history buffs and those interested particularly in Dr. King."―Brian Odom, Booklist