Judas Factor: The Plot to Kill Malcolm X [Paperback]

Karl Evanzz (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1993

Based on 15 years of research, including hundreds of interviews and the examination of over 300,000 pages of declassified FBI and CIA documents, this book uncovers new evidence of a conspiracy to silence Malcolm X and the entire black nationalist movement. Photos. National TV and radio coverage.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Misleadingly titled, this book promises more than it delivers. Though a highly readable history of Malcolm X and the black nationalist movement, as an investigation it offers only circumstantial evidence--with relatively few new revelatons--about the role government security agents played in the events leading to Malcolm's assassination on Feb. 21, 1965. Freelance writer Evanzz, drawing on FBI files and a wide range of other sources, correctly criticizes the FBI's hasty conclusion that Malcolm's murder had no "international implications." Yet the facts that the FBI harassed Black Muslims and infiltrated the organization and that the CIA targeted Third World leaders like Fidel Castro and Patrice Lumumba do not necessarily justify Evanzz's conclusion that the intelligence community "probably" decided to kill Malcolm because of his plans to bring the plight of "the American Negro" before the United Nations. Evanzz tends to preface his chapters with portentous quotes that suggest he will reach more solid conclusions than he does. Photos not seen by PW. 40,000 first printing.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

While the authors of these two studies of the assassination of Malcolm X have examined the same primary source materials, they have arrived at opposite conclusions. Evanzz is a journalist who spent 15 years researching the case; Friedly is a researcher at the Martin Luther King Jr. Papers Project at Stanford University. Evanzz builds a strong case for the conspiracy theory, while Friedly gives it very little credence. Evanzz also delves more deeply into African American history and has interviewed over 200 individuals involved in the Black Power Movement. The "Judas" Evanzz refers to is John Ali, whom he concludes conspired with the CIA to assassinate his former friend. Friedly points out, however, that the New York City Police Department did a poor job of protecting Malcolm X and has yet to release its files of the case. Both authors clearly show that the CIA and FBI were concerned about Malcolm X's growing power, especially after he and Elijah Muhammad had gone their separate ways. The FBI was worried that Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. were going to join forces, while the CIA was concerned about Malcolm X's visits to African leaders and what this might mean for American race relations. Since Evanzz and Friedly had access to more sources than previous authors, their studies add new insights into Malcolm X's life, death, and role in African American history. Both titles are essential for most libraries. Previewed in "Malcolm X: By Any Book Necessary," LJ 10/15/92.--Ed.
- Gary D. Barber, SUNY at Fredonia Lib.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Thunder's Mouth Press (October 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1560250666
• ISBN-13: 978-1560250661
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #459,586 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #39 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Malcolm X

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you think you know about Malcolm X read this Book., June 20, 2000

By 

Jon Gray (Philadelphia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Judas Factor: The Plot to Kill Malcolm X (Paperback)

This book is so well written, it, should be taught in high schools to teach teenagers about investigative reporting. Evanzz brings it all together the Nation of Islam, Elijah Muhammed, the FBI, Malcolm X, and the world at his death into the middle of your heart. You will never forget a single fact or surprising circumstance. A must read.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Definately a good read, February 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Judas Factor: The Plot to Kill Malcolm X (Paperback)

THE JUDAS FACTOR is a good read. Especially with regards to Malcolm's international work during the last year of his life, when he was trying to unite non-white nations in bringing the United States up on human rights violations to the U.N. Evanzz's assasination theory just amounts to a good guess, but it is certainly interesting, and certainly quite plausible. I have seen one FBI document, in the book THE COINTELPRO PAPERS, in which the FBI clearly takes credit for causing the rift between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad. In his Autobiography, Malcolm talks about FBI infiltration in the NOI, then later, he talks of false rumors being spread within the higher cirlces of the NOI that Malcolm was planning to take over-- exactly the kind of thing COINTELPRO provocateurs would have been proud of. So, it's quite possible that the FBI had infiltrators in the higher circles of the NOI who could have instigated the assasination plot.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book., December 23, 2001

By 

L. Jackson "Veracity" (Oak Park,MI) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Judas Factor: The Plot to Kill Malcolm X (Paperback)

Karl Evanzz does a wonderful job putting together this book. I found out information about the NOI that I was unaware of. For example, the murders that were committed by some of their members even after Malcolm X was assassinated. Mr. Evanzz also did a good job showing the CIA and FBI's involvement in Malcolm's life and affairs. Furthermore, he shows their role in the elimination of African revolutionary leaders. This book also has great references and an outstanding bibliography. Fantastic book.