Audiobook Reviews
These 11 historic sermons--some complete recordings of entire addresses, others reconstructed from various church services--make plain why Martin Luther King Jr. considered his "first calling and greatest commitment" to be a preacher of the gospel. As an orator he is second to none, drawing his audience in with an urgency that resonates through every soaring cadence of his familiar, powerful voice. Using insights from psychology, philosophy, and the Bible, he appeals to the heads as well as the hearts of his congregations, explaining that personal and social change can only be effected by adopting a morality of love in service of God and humankind. While King's concern for social justice is a common theme throughout, each sermon is a jewel of literary artistry, as it presents a simple problem, examines its complications, and offers a startling and often challenging resolution. Topics range from "Rediscovering Lost Values," a caution that scientific progress without moral progress can result only in a step backward for humanity, to "An American Dream," a wake-up call to the "self-evident truth" of equality proclaimed in the Constitution.

Brief introductions to the sermons from spiritual leaders and friends, including Dr. Joan Campbell, Billy Graham, Dr. Robert Franklin, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, offer personal insights into King's life, work, and legacy. An interesting note from the producers explains how the recordings of the sermons (published in a hardcover companion of the same name) were pieced together. In word and in voice, these are masterpieces of theological literature from one of the world's great orators, who Robert Franklin rightly says may well be "the greatest religious intellectual of the twentieth century." (Running time: 8 hours, 6 cassettes) --Uma Kukathas


From Library Journal
The King family and Time Warner have collaborated on this selection of memorable sermons by King, from "Why Jesus Called a Man a Fool" to "Remaining Awake Through a Great Revolution." Each sermon has its own introduction, with the Rev. Billy Graham and Nobel Prize winner Desmond Tutu among the contributors. (An audio version is also available.)Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
An audiobook can sometimes be superior to a printed text--and this is a great example of that fact. That is, it would be interesting to read these 11 sermons, but it's interesting, inspiring and pleasurable to hear King in these original recordings, which demonstrate his knowledge, social commitment and tremendous rhetorical ability. With a powerful voice, clever phrases and great pacing, King is truly one of the great orators of this century. The editors provide an excellently written and well-read introduction and postscript to this collection. For each of the sermons there are also well-written and well-read introductions written by religious leaders, such as Father Theodore Hesbaugh, Reverend Billy Graham and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. M.L.C. An AUDIOFILE Earphones Award winner (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


From Booklist
King's papers are being amassed in 14 volumes whose heft and exhaustive coverage don't encourage casual reading. Two editors of that project offer a more manageable book, a set of 11 of King's most frequently preached sermons. They are separately introduced by fellow preachers, all but one of whom (Archbishop Desmond Tutu) knew him, and each appears in a version that was particularly well received (most are transcriptions of recordings, with spoken congregational interjections--" Yes, sir," "That's right," "Preach" --parenthetically inserted in the text). King was a gifted preacher, his staple themes of God's love and social justice are perennially pertinent, and this is thrilling reading, especially if one can conjure his voice in the mind's ear. The sermons have been sound-bitten nearly to death, of course, and in such a manner as to downplay King's staunch evangelical Christianity. Here it blazes forth; indeed, one sermon ends with a clear altar call. Perhaps there is no better way to become acquainted with this great American than this book affords. Ray Olson


Download Description
With fiery words of wisdom and a passion for justice, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired people everywhere to perform extraordinary acts of courage and ignited one of the most influential movements of the twentieth century. This is the definitive collection of eleven of his most powerful sermons, from his earliest known audio recording to his last sermon, delivered days before his assassination. With introductions by renowned theologians and ministers including Reverend Billy Graham and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, filled with moving personal reflections and firsthand accounts of the events surrounding each sermon, 'A Knock at Midnight' is Dr. King's living voice today--an irresistible call that resonates and inspires the greatness in us all.

FROM OUR EDITORS

King's bedrock faith is the centerpiece of this examination of his sermons. In the pulpit, King articulated a vision, one that he courageously defended by his actions. Individual sermons are placed within the context of their times, and luminaries such as Billy Graham and Desmond Tutu provide commentary.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

With fiery words of wisdom and a passion for justice. Reverend Martin Luther King. Jr., inspired people everywhere to perform extraordinary acts of courage and ignited one of the most influential movements of the twentieth century. This is the definitive collection of eleven of his most powerful sermons, from his earliest known audio recording to his last sermon, delivered days before his assassination. With introductions by renowned theologians and ministers including Reverend Billy Graham and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, filled with moving personal reflections and firsthand accounts of the events surrounding each sermon. A Knock At Midnight is Dr. King's living voice today, an irresistible call that resonates and inspires the greatness in us all.

SYNOPSIS

With fiery words of wisdom and a passion for justice, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., inspired people everywhere to perform extraordinary acts of courage and ignited one of the most influential movements of the twentieth century.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal