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Published on 08/21/1995 All articles from this issue

Book review

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By Don De Nevi

Special to the Town Crier

A Martin Luther King biography and a religious treatise

Recently, the Los Altos Town Crier received a superlative little book entitled "The Prophet King," by James D. Chapman. What immediately impressed this reviewer about the 46 page, $8.95 hard cover, was the combination of two genres: a biographical account and a religious treatise.

On the one hand, Chapman, an American of African descent, provides us with numerous vivid and moving accounts of episodes in the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., illustrating clearly how his non-violent movement paralleled those of biblical times.

On the other hand, the author shows a keen sense of history and religious knowledge as he forges his analysis with well-documented quotations and events from the Bible. But as much a tribute as it is to King, it is, a wake-up-callto all God's children. The narrative is deeply moving, almost pleading and very effective.

From the first page, the reader becomes immersed in the thoughts of one of this century's most influential men and the way his actions and words parallel those of people like the Bible's Abraham.

SaysChapman, "I hoped to delve into the spiritual and historical significance of Dr. King's nonviolence as it relates to the prophecy of divine destiny." Chapman then goes on to provide additional brief biographical sketches of other important Afro-American leaders such as Dr. William E. B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey, Fannie Lou Hammer, and Malcolm X.

The author, James Chapman, will be present at a Book Fair from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 5 at East Palo Alto Library. The benefit is being sponsored for the Mandela Academy and the East Palo Alto Library.

The "Prophet King" is published by Carlton Press in New York. For further information call 212-714-0300.