Dream

'Unleashes the power of King's historic words in '63 . . . offers a new perspective on what King said that day, how he said it and what it has come to mean.' -USA TodayOn August 28, 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr., electrified the nation when he delivered his 'I Have a Dream' speech from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. In The Dream, Drew D. Hansen explores the fascinating and little-known history of King's legendary address. The Dream insightfully considers how King's speech 'has slowly remade the American imagination,' and led us closer to King's visionary goal of a redeemed America.'[A] great contribution to the literature of the movement. Dr. King would be very, very proud.' -Rep. John Lewis, NPR'Essential reading for anyone trying to understand one of the great speeches in American history.' -The Denver Post'The best book in more than a decade on the movement's best-known leader.' -Chicago Tribune'In closely analyzing the text of the speech, the author compares supporting drafts of two associates and King's own final written version with the actual spoken words. There's no doubt that King's extensive departures from prepared text formed the most eloquent and inspiring moments . . . Studied anatomy of one bold moment of extemporaneous triumph.' -Kirkus Reviews'Serious, scholarly and engaged, a fitting contribution to the 40th anniversary of the speech and the march.' -Publishers Weekly'Readers interested in the moral issues tied to the civil rights struggle will enjoy Hansen's analysis.' -Booklist