Description

Book Synopsis

To most Americans, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. represent contrasting ideals: self-defense versus nonviolence, Black Power versus civil rights, the sword versus the shield. The struggle for Black freedom is wrought with the same contrasts. While nonviolent direct action is remembered as an unassailable part of American democracy, the movement's militancy is either vilified or erased outright.

In The Sword and the Shield, Peniel E. Joseph upends these misconceptions and reveals a nuanced portrait of two men who, despite markedly different backgrounds, inspired and pushed each other throughout their adult lives. Now updated with a new afterword, this is a strikingly revisionist account of Malcolm and Martin, the era they defined, and their lasting impact on today's Movement for Black Lives.

The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives

    Product form

    £14.24

    Includes FREE delivery

    RRP £14.99 – you save £0.75 (5%)

    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Thu 6 Aug 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Peniel Joseph

      Trusted by thousands of customers. See 2,385+ Customer Reviews

      View other formats and editions of The Sword and the Shield: The Revolutionary Lives by Peniel Joseph

      Publisher: Basic Books
      Publication Date: Publication Date: 28/10/2021
      ISBN13: 9781541619616, 978-1541619616
      ISBN10: 1541619617
      Also in:
      Biography Biography: historical, political and military History History of the Americas Human rights, civil rights

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      To most Americans, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. represent contrasting ideals: self-defense versus nonviolence, Black Power versus civil rights, the sword versus the shield. The struggle for Black freedom is wrought with the same contrasts. While nonviolent direct action is remembered as an unassailable part of American democracy, the movement's militancy is either vilified or erased outright.

      In The Sword and the Shield, Peniel E. Joseph upends these misconceptions and reveals a nuanced portrait of two men who, despite markedly different backgrounds, inspired and pushed each other throughout their adult lives. Now updated with a new afterword, this is a strikingly revisionist account of Malcolm and Martin, the era they defined, and their lasting impact on today's Movement for Black Lives.

      Recently viewed products

      © 2026 Book Curl

        • American Express
        • Apple Pay
        • Diners Club
        • Discover
        • Google Pay
        • Maestro
        • Mastercard
        • PayPal
        • Shop Pay
        • Union Pay
        • Visa

        Login

        Forgot your password?

        Don't have an account yet?
        Create account