Skip to content

Why We Can't Wait
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait Mass market paperbound - 2000

by Martin Luther King; Afterword by Jesse Jackson

This paperback reissue of a classic not only examines King's Birmingham campaign for civil rights, but the history of the struggle and the tasks that await future generations fighting for equality. New Afterword by Rev. Jesse Jackson. Reissue.


Summary

Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963

“Perhaps it is easy for those who have never felt the stinging darts of segregation to say, ‘Wait.’ But when you have seen vicious mobs lynch your mothers and fathers at will and drown your sisters and brothers at whim…when you see the vast majority of twenty million Negro brothers smothering in an airtight cage of poverty in the midst of an affluent society; when you suddenly find your tongue twisted and your speech stammering as you seek to explain to your six-year-old daughter why she can’t go to the public amusement park that has just been advertised on television, and see tears welling up in her eyes when she is told that Funtown is closed to colored children, and see ominous clouds of inferiority beginning to form in her little mental sky…when you take a cross-country drive and find it necessary to sleep night after night in the uncomfortable corners of your automobile because no motel will accept you…when…your wife and mother are never given the respected title ‘Mrs.’…when you are forever fighting a degenerating sense of ‘nobodiness’—then you will understand why we find it difficult to wait. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair.”

Why We Can’t Wait

Martin Luther King’s Classic Exploration of the events and forces behind the Civil Rights Movement

From the publisher

Martin Luther King's classic exploration of the events and forces behind the Civil Rights Movement--including his Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963. "There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to be plunged into the abyss of despair."In 1963, Birmingham, Alabama, was perhaps the most racially segregated city in the United States. The campaign launched by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the Civil Rights movement on the segregated streets of Birmingham demonstrated to the world the power of nonviolent direct action. In this remarkable book--winner of the Nobel Peace Prize--Dr. King recounts the story of Birmingham in vivid detail, tracing the history of the struggle for civil rights back to its beginnings three centuries ago and looking to the future, assessing the work to be done beyond Birmingham to bring about full equality for African Americans. Above all, Dr. King offers an eloquent and penetrating analysis of the events and pressures that propelled the Civil Rights movement from lunch counter sit-ins and prayer marches to the forefront of American consciousness. Since its publication in the 1960s, Why We Can't Wait has become an indisputable classic. Now, more than ever, it is an enduring testament to the wise and courageous vision of Martin Luther King, Jr. Includes photographs and an Afterword by Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr.

Details

  • Title Why We Can't Wait
  • Author Martin Luther King; Afterword by Jesse Jackson
  • Binding Mass Market Paperbound
  • Edition [ Edition: Repri
  • Pages 240
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Signet Book, New York, New York, U.S.A.
  • Date 2000-01-01
  • Features Bibliography
  • ISBN 9780451527530 / 0451527534
  • Weight 0.3 lbs (0.14 kg)
  • Dimensions 7.4 x 4.2 x 0.7 in (18.80 x 10.67 x 1.78 cm)
  • Ages 18 to UP years
  • Grade levels 13 - UP
  • Reading level 1200
  • Themes
    • Ethnic Orientation: African American
    • Holiday: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
    • Topical: Black History
  • Library of Congress subjects United States - Race relations, African Americans - Civil rights
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2001571326
  • Dewey Decimal Code 323.119

Media reviews

END

About the author

Martin Luther King, Jr., was born January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia, the son and grandson of pastors. He graduated from Morehouse College and Crozer Theological Seminary, becoming at age 25 pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. He subsequently earned his Ph.D. from Boston University. In 1957 he and other civil rights leaders founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, an organization he led until his death. A proponent of Gandhian principles of non-violence, he led many protests and demonstrations for civil rights, including the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom on August 29, 1963, where he delivered his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. Winner of the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, he continued to fight for civil rights, the eradication of poverty and the end of the Vietnam War. He was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, TN. Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, Sr., is the founder and president of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, an organization committed to fighting for social, political, and economic justice for people of all races, genders, and creeds. A two-time candidate for President of the United States, Rev. Jackson has been called the "conscience of the nation." Rev. Jackson is also renowned for his efforts around the world to spread the promise of democracy, human rights, and peace. Rev. Jackson and his wife, Jacqueline, reside in Chicago and are the proud parents of five children.
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)

by Luther King Jr., Dr. Martin

  • Used
Condition
UsedAcceptable
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$4.20
A$4.63 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedAcceptable. There is handwriting and/or underlining and or highlighting in the book Cover/ Case does NOT match photos; some content may vary from version shown Cover/Case has some rubbing and edgewear. Access codes, CD's, slipcovers and other accessories may not be included.
Item Price
A$4.20
A$4.63 shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)

by Luther King Jr., Dr. Martin

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
2
Seller
South San Francisco, California, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$4.23
A$7.73 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood .
Item Price
A$4.23
A$7.73 shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait

by King Jr. , Dr. Martin Luther & Jesse Jackson

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good in Good dust jacket
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Houston, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$7.59
A$7.75 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Signet. Good in Good dust jacket. 2000. Paperback. 0451527534 . Signet Classics; 4.18 X 0.71 X 7.5 inches; 166 pages .
Item Price
A$7.59
A$7.75 shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait

by King, Martin Luther

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
1
Seller
South Bend, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$7.75
A$8.13 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
2000. Paperback.
Item Price
A$7.75
A$8.13 shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait

by King, Martin Luther, Jr

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
10
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$10.32
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
A$10.32
FREE shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait

by King, Martin Luther, Jr

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
3
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$10.32
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
A$10.32
FREE shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait (Signet Classics)

by Luther King Jr., Dr. Martin

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
UsedGood
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Interlochen, Michigan, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$10.38
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. Mass market paperback in GOOD condition with normal wear from use. Cover art my differ from that in photo.
Item Price
A$10.38
FREE shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait

Why We Can't Wait

by Martin Luther King; King, Martin Luther, Jr.

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
4
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$10.40
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group, 2000. Paperback. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
A$10.40
FREE shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait

by King, Martin Luther, Jr

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Reno, Nevada, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$10.44
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
A$10.44
FREE shipping to USA
Why We Can't Wait
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Why We Can't Wait

by King, Martin Luther, Jr

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780451527530 / 0451527534
Quantity Available
2
Seller
Reno, Nevada, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$10.44
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Penguin Publishing Group. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
A$10.44
FREE shipping to USA