Biography of the American black religious leader and activist who was born Malcolm Little, published in 1965. Written by Alex Haley, who had conducted extensive audiotaped interviews with Malcolm X just before his assassination in 1965, the book gained renown as a classic work on black American experience. The Autobiography recounts the life of Malcolm X from his traumatic childhood plagued by racism to his years as a drug dealer and pimp, his conversion to the Black Muslim sect (Nation of Islam) while in prison for burglary, his subsequent years of militant activism, and his later turn in his life to more orthodox Islam.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X - Great Books Video (1999) Documentary excerpt that chronicles the life of one of America’s most influential black leaders, Malcolm X. The Autobiography of Malcolm X has been deemed an American Classic, not only for its compelling story, but also for its uncompromising expression of the pain, anger and violence this country experienced in the 1960’s.

The Autobiography of Malcolm X: (Audio Cassette)

This audiobook published by Simon & Schuster is an adaptation of the 1965 account of the life of black civil rights leader Malcolm X. The story is told through the first-person voice of Malcolm X with added content and narrative provided by Alex Haley. Though at times self-aggrandizing, Malcolm X tells of his extraordinary transformation from a boy whose father was murdered by white supremacists; to a young scam artist and drug dealer in Harlem, New York; to a self-taught scholar in prison; to a prominent leader in and minister for the Nation of Islam; and then finally, to a man transformed by his trip to Africa and to Mecca and marked as a threat by the Nation of Islam leaders. Through a life of passion and struggle, Malcolm X became one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century. Here, the man who called himself “the angriest Black man in America” relates how his conversion to true Islam helped him confront his rage and recognize the brotherhood of all mankind. An established classic of modern America, The Autobiography of Malcolm X was hailed by the New York Times as “Extraordinary. A brilliant, painful, important book.” The strength of his words, the power of his ideas continue to resonate more than a generation after they first appeared. Together, the two audiobook narrators, Joe Morton and Roscoe Lee Brown, respectively, provide clear and expressive narration to this compelling biography. Listen To An Excerpt From The Audiobook The Autobiography of Malcolm X: (Audio Cassette) Audiobook Excerpt  Narrator: Joe Morton Simon & Schuster Audio, October 1, 1992

Malcolm X • Two–Disk Special Edition • (1992)

Malcolm’s story is often considered an overview of the African American experience during the turbulent years of the civil rights movement. It is an inspiring tale of redemption and overcoming, as he grows from just another street criminal to one of the most charismatic and electrifying speakers of the 20th century. It is the story of how one man, in prison and at the lowest point in his life, found the power within himself to rise out of the ashes of injustice and hatred and be something more than anyone imagined he could be. Spike Lee’s epic portrayal of the life and times of the slain civil rights leader Malcolm X begins with the cross-cut imagery of the police beating of black motorist Rodney King juxtaposed with an American flag burning into the shape of the letter 'X'

Malcolm X • Two–Disk Special Edition • Video Trailer

When the film’s narrative begins moments later, it jumps back to World War II-era Boston, where Malcolm Little (Denzel Washington) is making his living as a hustler. The son of a Baptist preacher who was murdered by the Ku Klux Klan, Malcolm Little was raised by foster parents after his mother was deemed clinically insane.

As an adult, Little turned to a life of crime, which leads to his imprisonment on burglary charges. In jail, Little receives epiphany in the form of an introduction to Islam; he is especially taken with the lessons of Elijah Muhammad, who comes to him in a vision.

Adopting the name 'Malcolm X' as a rejection of the 'Little' surname (given his family by white slave owners), he meets the real Elijah Muhammad (Al Freeman, Jr.) upon exiting prison, and begins work as a spokesman for the Nation of Islam.

Marriage to a Muslim nurse named Betty Shabazz (Angela Bassett) follows, after which Malcolm X spearheads a well-attended march on a Harlem hospital housing a Muslim recovering from an episode of police brutality. The march’s success helps elevate Malcolm X to the position of Islam’s national spokesperson. There is dissension in the ranks, however, and soon Malcolm X is targeted for assassination by other Nation leaders; even Elijah Muhammad fears Malcolm’s growing influence. After getting wind of the murder plot, Malcolm X leaves the Nation of Islam, embarking on a pilgrimage to Mecca that proves revelatory; renouncing his separatist beliefs, his oratories begin embracing all races and cultures. During a speech at the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem, Malcolm X is shot and killed on February 21, 1965, reportedly by Nation of Islam members. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Movie Guide.

Malcolm X Cast Members

The Autobiography of Malcolm X: Reviews

“This book HITS you. It hits you while you read it, a few days after you complete it and then all through the rest of your life. From street punk to Civil Rights Icon, the life of Malcolm X is told beautifully in this powerful book. A person cannot really claim to know Malcolm X—or his or her own self—until one reads this book. Buy it, own it, deposit it into your own personal library.” - Boston, MA.

“This book should be required reading for every black man in America. This book totally change my life and the way I view others. After reading this, I began to see things differently and view others with a greater respect than ever before. If you think Malcolm X was just another hate teacher or racist, then you must read this book. It will show you who the real Malcolm was and give you a greater feeling of self-respect. Read this book and get anyone you know to read it as well.” - Cincinnati, OH.

“This book will be one of the most important book you will ever read. Before I read this book I knew little of Malcolm X, but after reading not only was I enriched, but it forced me to look at the world in a different light. Hand this book to anyone who is not living up to their full potential and you will see a change. This book was a challenge for me as it filled me with a great sorrow of what one race can do to hold down another. Do your self a great favor and read this book. It will be the greatest lesson you will ever learn for a few dollars. Malcolm X is a hero of mine and he has taught more to me then any teacher.” - Redwood City, CA.

“This non-fictional movie is outstanding!! It’s like 3 hours long, but when you watch it, you wish it was longer. Some people may get offended, but educated ones will truly understand (mainly, because they’ll watch the entire movie). The Autobiography of Malcolm X may give you more details, but it’s best to watch the movie first to get a better understanding and imagination. Also, Denzel Washington plays an excellent role of Malcolm. So to sum this up, 'X' is truly an excellent choice.” - Bremerton, WA.

“There have been many engaging and watchable biography movies but most never quite achieve what I would consider greatness as a film. Malcolm X is the exception. This is both a totally engaging biographical story of a great and complicated man’s epic life and a great film. Spike Lee is in top form here and so is Denzel Washington who is absolutely convincing as Malcolm X as if he has channeled Malcolm’s spirit. Spike Lee brings career-best performances out of a lot of actors in this film. Don’t miss it.” - Atlanta, GA.

“Spike Lee did his absolute best with this film. With an excellent choice of Denzel Washington as Malcolm and Angela Bassett as Betty, this film truly is an inspiration to all Black and non-Black Muslims such as myself. It truly captivates the beauty of our religion and how one man truly believed in hard work and dedication. The ending was truly the most touching of all and still brings a tear to my eye even today. May the real Malcolm rest in peace. Amen.” - Surrey, British Columbia.

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