Historical Figures
A Vietnamese monk who self-immolated in 1963 to protest the persecution of Buddhists by the South Vietnamese government.
The Autobiography of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Martin Luther King Jr., Clayborne Carson
This definitive box set includes all the landmark speeches of the great orator and American leader Martin Luther King, Jr., from his inspirational "I Have a Dream" to his firey "Give Us the Ballot." Comprised of recordings previously included in A Call to Conscience and A Knock at Midnight.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X, Alex Haley
Through a life of passion and struggle, Malcolm X became one of the most influential figures of the 20th Century. In this riveting account, he tells of his journey from a prison cell to Mecca, describing his transition from hoodlum to Muslim minister. 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.
Long Walk to Freedom: The Autobiography of Nelson Mandela by Nelson Mandela
Nelson Mandela is one of the great moral and political leaders of our time: an international hero whose lifelong dedication to the fight against racial oppression in South Africa won him the Nobel Peace Prize and the presidency of his country.
Mohandas K. Gandhi, Autobiography: The Story of My Experiments with Truth
by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi
It is not my purpose to attempt a real autobiography. I simply want to tell the story of my numerous experiments with truth, and as my life consists of nothing but those experiments, it is true that the story will take the shape of an autobiography.
The Declaration of the Rights of Women: The Original Manifesto for Justice, Equality and Freedom by Olympe de Gouges
Olympe de Gouges was the most important fighter for women's rights you've never heard of. An activist and writer in revolutionary Paris, she published 'The Declaration of the Rights of Women' in 1791, and was beheaded two years later, her articulate demands for equality proving too much for their time.
Frederick Douglass: Autobiographies: Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave / My Bondage and My Freedom / Life and Times of Frederick Douglass (Library of America) by Frederick Douglass, Henry Louis Gates
Frederick Douglass's three autobiographical narratives, now recognized as classics of both American history and American literature. Writing with the eloquence and fierce intelligence that made him a brilliantly effective spokesman for the abolition of slavery and equal rights, Douglass shapes an inspiring vision of self-realization in the face of monumental odds.
Karl Heinrich Ulrichs: Pioneer of the Modern Gay Movement by Hubert Kennedy
Karl Heinrich Ulrichs was the first gay man to speak out openly for the equal rights of all homosexuals. This happened in Munich at a Congress of German Jurists on 29 August 1867—before the word “homosexual” was invented. In this and in many other ways he was a real pioneer of the modern gay movement. Hubert Kennedy’s carefully researched and documented biography reveals the life of this courageous and exemplary man.
The Future of the American Negro by Booker T. Washington
The Future of the American Negro, a book written in 1899 by American educator Booker T. Washington, set forth his ideas regarding the history of enslaved and freed African-American people and their need for education to advance themselves. In the beginning of the book, the author mentions the term “industrial education”. Washington describes this term as meaning, learning the necessities to become a valuable member of society as well and being able to apply this knowledge to industrial business. He believes that even though slavery is illegal, the freed African-Americans are still enslaved to the white people. Those who are freed cannot be members of society because they are not given the same opportunities.
Led the Women’s Suffrage Movement in New Zealand, New Zealand was the first country to establish universal suffrage in 1893.
He served as the leader of the All-Indian Muslim League from 1913 until the inception of Pakistan on August 14, 1947. He then served as the 1st Governor-General of Pakistan.
Australian Aboriginal Leader and Civil Rights Activist
An Organizer’s Tale: Speeches by Cesar Chavez
One of the most important civil rights leaders in American history, Cesar Chavez was a firm believer in the principles of nonviolence, and he effectively employed peaceful tactics to further his cause. Through his efforts, he helped achieve dignity, fair wages, benefits, and humane working conditions for hundreds of thousands of farm workers.
The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin
Darwin's theory of natural selection issued a profound challenge to orthodox thought and belief: no being or species has been specifically created; all are locked into a pitiless struggle for existence, with extinction looming for those not fitted for the task.
A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
A landmark volume in science writing by one of the great minds of our time, Stephen Hawking’s book explores such profound questions as: How did the universe begin—and what made its start possible? Does time always flow forward? Is the universe unending—or are there boundaries? Are there other dimensions in space? What will happen when it all ends?
Relativity: The Special And The General Theory by Albert Einstein
Discover Albert Einstein's groundbreaking theories with ""Relativity: The Special and the General Theory."" This influential work provides a comprehensive exploration of the principles that revolutionized our understanding of space, time, and gravity.
Wizard: The Life and Times of Nikola Tesla: Biography of a Genius by Marc Seifer
Nikola Tesla (1856-1943), credited as the inspiration for radio, robots, and even radar, has been called the patron saint of modern electricity. Based on original material and previously unavailable documents, this acclaimed book is the definitive biography of the man considered by many to be the founding father of modern electrical technology.