John Lewis

A Life

By: David Greenberg

Narrated by: David Sadzin

Pulitzer Prize Finalist

New York Times Book Review Top 100 Books of 2024

Explore the “comprehensive and compelling” (Jon Meacham) biography of civil rights leader John Lewis, celebrated as “the conscience of Congress,” through a narrative that weaves together exclusive interviews, never-before-seen FBI files, and documents, offering profound insights into his significant role in American history and the civil rights movement.

Born into poverty in rural Alabama, John Lewis rose to prominence in the civil rights movement, becoming second only to Martin Luther King, Jr. in his contributions. As a Freedom Rider, he played a crucial role in integrating bus stations across the South. Lewis was a prominent leader in the Nashville sit-in movement and delivered a historic speech at the 1963 March on Washington. As the youngest speaker and chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), he transformed it into a major civil rights organization. His legacy endures through the harrowing events at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where he survived a brutal beating on “Bloody Sunday.”

David Greenberg’s “authoritative…definitive biography” (David J. Garrow, Pulitzer Prize–winning author) follows Lewis’s journey beyond the civil rights era, highlighting his leadership in the Voter Education Project, where he helped enroll millions of African American voters across the South. This book uncovers the little-known story of his ascent in politics, first locally in Atlanta and then as a respected member of Congress. As part of the Democratic leadership, Lewis was admired on both sides of the aisle for his unwavering dedication to nonviolent integration and justice.

Rich with new insights, Greenberg’s work captures John Lewis’s influential career through documents from numerous archives, interviews with 275 people who knew him, and rare footage of Lewis speaking from his hospital bed after Selma. John Lewis offers unparalleled details about his personal and professional relationships and stands as the definitive biography of a man whose heroism during the civil rights movement paved the way for a new era of freedom in America.

Critic reviews

"Narrator David Sadzin offers a solid and engaging narration. He carries listeners along through detailed descriptions of the history of the Civil Rights movement and the machinations in Congress...Sadzin’s smooth narration adds to the compelling nature of the text. "

An incredible tribute to the life and times of John Lewis!

It’s amazing to walk through the civil rights journey through the life of John Lewis. Well written and inspiring, his life is a testament to the impact that one person can have, recognizing that his story is one of many. His convictions, humility and respect for life and mankind are admirable and remind us about the power of love.

Amazing

Amazing. Good trouble until the end and beyond. This read is well worth your time.

Must Read

A great summary of John Lewis’ life. A must read for its historical value in our country.

Brilliant biography

I loved the intertwining of the personal with the historical and political. Greenberg got the essence of this man with ever being fawning or maudlin. A brilliant job.
Roberta Silman

The details of history...Amazing!!!

I loved everything about this book? The life of a true hero was telling and educational.