Stride Toward Freedom:
First edition, signed by Martin Luther King, Jr.

“History has thrust upon our generation an indescribably important destiny—to complete a process of democratization which our nation has too long developed too slowly, but which is our most powerful weapon for world respect and emulation. How we deal with this crucial situation will determine our moral health as individuals, our cultural health as a region, our political health as a nation, and our prestige as a leader of the free world. The future of America is bound up with the solution of the present crisis… If America is to remain a first-class nation, it cannot have a second-class citizenship.” -p.197.

First edition, signed by Martin Luther King, Jr., on the front free endpaper, of King’s analysis and account of  “The Montgomery Story,” the first successful large-scale application of non-violent resistance to an American situation. Stride Toward Freedom, King’s first book, includes some of his most impassioned and eloquent calls for immediate and sustained nonviolent action to end segregation and racial prejudice. Book fine, bright dust jacket with some edgewear. A rare signed first edition.