Malcolm X: As They Knew Him [Mass Market Paperback]

David Gallen (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 30, 1995

During his lifetime, the name Malcolm X was a lightning rod that electrified the black community. Now, thirty years after his death, we are still coming to grips with the complexity, and power of his message. In this fascinating volume, Malcolm X, the man and the leader, stands revealed in a shimmering mosaic of memories, interviews, insights, and appreciations by:

-- Maya Angelou - James Baldwin - James Booker Elombe Braath - James Brown - Kenneth B. Clark John Henrik Clarke - Eldridge Cleaver - Joe Durso James Farmer - Kathy Gibson - Peter Goldman - Rosa Guy - Robert Haggins - Alex Haley - Hinton Johnson Benjamin Karim - Charles Kenyatta - Yuri Kuchiama William Kunstler - Maria Laurino - Claude Lewis Abby Lincoln - C. Eric Lincoln - Julian Mayfield Bayard Rustin - Sonia Sanchez - Dick Schaap - George Sims - James Small - Michael Thelwell - Mike Wallace Robert Penn Warren - Ralph Wiley - Alice Windom

More than thirty luminaries describe how Malcolm X touched and, in some cases, radically transformed their lives. Then Malcolm speaks to us in his own voice through seven seminal interviews that he granted in the last years of his life, including the controversial 1963 Playboy interview with Alex Haley. The book closes with a collection of essays by outstanding American writers examining the meaning of Malcolm X's contribution and assessing his place in American history.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Spike Lee's forthcoming film on Malcolm X has sparked renewed interest in the life of this legendary figure, who remains highly controversial 27 years after his death. This book offers up a celebration of Malcolm X and is a candid and compassionate assessment of his life and influence. The first section is a richly woven narrative--oral reminiscences by a variety of people who knew Malcolm intimately or professionally. Familiar (Maya Angelou, the late Alex Haley, Kenneth B. Clark, Mike Wallace) and unfamiliar names blend together in this testimony to Malcolm's prophetic and charismatic nature. There are vivid recollections of Malcolm's public debates with Bayard Rustin and James Farmer, but most striking are the numerous accounts of his assassination. The second section of the book consists of seven interviews with Malcolm, including Alex Haley's famous 1963 Playboy interview, which may not be available in many libraries. The third part contains six reflective essays on Malcolm's role in African American history. Among the diverse views presented are those by Eldridge Cleaver, James Baldwin, and Robert Penn Warren. Recommended as a supplemental resource on Malcolm X, this book belongs in all libraries with African American collections.
- Thomas Karel, Franklin & Marshall Coll. Lib., Lancaster, Pa.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Publisher

This riveting book presents a wide-ranging view of Malcolm X, the man and the leader, combining essays on Malcolm X, word-for-word transcripts of interviews conducted with the leader, and remembrances of Malcolm by those who knew him.

The book opens with snippets of remembered scenes and conversations with Malcolm X as recounted by such noted political and cultural figures as Alex Haley, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, Eldridge Cleaver, C. Eric Lincoln, journalist Claude Lewis, historian John Henrik Clarke, civil rights leader James Farmer, lawyer William Kunstler, and poet Sonia Sanchez.

The fascinating second section of the book contains seven word-for-word transcripts of interviews with Malcolm X, including the famed 1963 Playboy interview with Alex Haley and interviews with Kenneth Clark and Robert Penn Warren. In both dialogues, Malcolm X shows his incredible ability to distill information and to formulate intriguing replies to truly complex political and cultural questions. The book also features radio interviews, which show the strain of his perilous relationship with the Nation of Islam in the final days of his life. The rush of verbal brilliance from the incisive mind of Malcolm X will hold you in thrall.

The final section of the book, "The Man, the Myth and the Mission", includes essays by Eldridge Cleaver, who writes about his reaction to learning of the news of Malcolm's death while in prison. Robert Penn Warren gives a southern white man's take on a black man who rises from poverty to transform his life several times.

With its range and variety, Malcolm X: As They Knew Him presents a unique look at a man whose life remains indelibly imprinted in our country's history.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 319 pages
• Publisher: Ballantine Books (December 30, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345400526
• ISBN-13: 978-0345400529
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.1 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #947,565 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( M ) > Malcolm X

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Insightful!, July 22, 2000

By 

Morado (cincinnati, ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Malcolm X: As They Knew Him (Mass Market Paperback)

This book does a fantastic job of painting Malcolm X in the eyes of those who knew him and were touched by him. It really gives an insight into the life of one of the most influential men in history. I loved what Maya Angelou, Eldridge Cleaver, and Robert Penn Warren had to say. Other highlights are the interview with Claude Lewis, Malcolm's last TV interview with Pierre Barton, and On The Air with Joe Rainey, in which Malcolm discusses his split with Muhammad. It was secretely recorded by the FBI.

Of course Alex Haley's "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" is a must read as well!