The “Letter from Birmingham Jail” has become an American classic: a passionate affirmation of freedom and equality that stands squarely in the Western political, philosophical, and religious traditions and draws on the wisdom of a striking variety of sources past and present from that tradition. It’s also an introduction to nonviolent resistance and a call to social justice that remains timely. Interestingly, the “letter” is just that—a public letter to a group of clergies, not one of MLK’s memorable sermons and addresses.

“Letter from Birmingham Jail” (1963) is available in the Penguin Modern series of paperbacks at a very low price. It’s also available in volumes of King’s collected writings, and online in a pdf file. It’s not long, but it’s a very rich text that bears close examination.