112

Martin Luther King ''Stride'' Signed

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles Start Price:500.00 USD Estimated At:NA
Martin Luther King ''Stride'' Signed
"WINNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AFTER THE AUCTION ENDS BY THE AUCTIONEER ONCE ALL BIDS HAVE BEEN PROCESSED TO DETERMINE THE WINNER FOR EACH LOT."
Martin Luther King, Jr's. signed copy of his first book ''Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story.'' New York: Harper and Brothers: 1958. First edition, fifth printing. Signed on the front free endpaper: ''Best Wishes Martin L. King, Jr.'' in blue ballpoint ink. King's account of the Montgomery bus strike quickly became a classic template for nonviolent resistance. In this rare book, King cites the philosophies of Gandhi as his major inspiration: ''…Prior to reading Gandhi, I had about concluded that the ethics of Jesus were only effective in individual relationships. The 'turn the other cheek' philosophy and 'love your enemies' philosophy were only valid, I felt, when individuals were in conflict with other individuals. When racial groups and nations were in conflict a more realistic approach seemed necessary. But after reading Gandhi, I saw how utterly mistaken I was…'' Book measures 5.5'' x 8.5'' and runs 230pp. Turquoise and black-striped boards with silver lettering. Previous owner's signature in pencil on front free endpaper and a child's drawings in crayon on the rear pastedown and rear free endpaper. Likely the same little troublemaker has traced over the ''M'' in ''Martin'' with a crayon, which fortunately is not readily visible. Book is overall in good condition with three pages having about one-third of text torn off. Some wear to board edges and corners. Original dustjacket with price intact, has one large chip at bottom of spine and sunning to spine, else very good condition.