Coretta: The Story of Coretta Scott King: Commemorative Edition

In this first biography of Coretta Scott King, written by her friend Octavia Vivian, the reader meets a determined young girl who grew up in Alabama and worked her way through Antioch College only to discover that she was not allowed to teach in the white schools in Ohio. She pursued a musical career in Boston, where she met Martin Luther King, Jr.

The Montgomery bus boycott in 1955 brought Dr. King and his wife into national prominence. Since then the nation has seen the beauty and composure of Coretta Scott King as she has continued to speak and act on behalf of civil rights.

First published in 1970 by Fortress Press, this commemorative edition has been thoroughly updated, includes a black and white photo gallery, and is full of warmth and human interest, telling the story of Coretta Scott King from her childhood to her death in February 2006.

"Coretta Scott King's commitment to justice and just peace was universal. We shall remember her as a great American civil rights activist and leader, but equally as one who openly and bravely opposed apartheid at a time when it was neither fashionable nor easy to do so. She occupies a hallowed place in the memory of freedomloving South Africans and Africans at large."
– Nelson Mandela, former President of South Africa

"Coretta Scott King was a loving mother, wife, a reliable sister, friend, and a great American. This work will help us to know more about her resilience and her courage, and each of us can grow stronger from the knowledge."
– Maya Angelou, poet

"Coretta Scott King was an extraordinary woman. When her husband was taken from her, she carried on his efforts to bring America together, not knowing whether her struggle would succeed but sure that it was too important not to try. Octavia Vivian's book recounts Corretta's remarkable story from the perspective of a close friend, revealing the strength and heroism of a real person too often obscured by myth and frozen memories."
– Bill Clinton, former President

"A moving, insightful, and inspiring tribute to one of the most admired women in the world. This little gem presents something that larger books do not, namely, the soul and moral grandeur of Coretta Scott King. I loved this book: A case study in leadership, integrity, courage, and wisdom, it is an important book for our time."
– Robert M. Franklin, Presidental Distinguished Professor of Social Ethics, Candler School of Theology, Emory University

"When Coretta Scott King passed away, the whole world mourned the loss of the keeper of Dr. King's and America's dream. A new generation of readers will be grateful for this intimate portrait of her extraordinary life."
– Marian Wright Edelmann, President and Founder, Children's Defense Fund

Coretta: the Story of Coretta Scott King by Octavia Vivian is the inspiring story of Mrs. King's life as seen through the eyes of a close friend. This tiny volume covers Mrs. King's life from her humble beginnings in Perry County, Alabama, to her death on January 23, 2006, at the age of 78 years. It is a small book that covers a lot of material – the struggles of Mrs. King's early years, her demanding role as the wife of a man constantly in danger for his beliefs, and her courageous battle to continue his work.

This biography gives readers a good understanding of Mrs. King's life and times and the contributions she and Dr. King made to the civil rights movement.

It takes Mrs. King out of her husband's shadow to be seen as the strong, talented woman she truly was. Eighteen pages of pictures of Dr. and Mrs. King give added depth to the written words. The biggest problem with this book is that it is so condensed, and the reader is left longing for more.

This would be an excellent book for anyone looking for a quick overview of Mrs. King's life and is a powerful example of faith in action. Young adults would find this a useful resource for research projects or for personal enlightenment.

— Heather MacInnis, Christian Library Journal – Volume XII, No. 2, June 2007

1. Homegoing
2. Coretta
3. A Child of Struggle
4. Marriage
5. Mother of Four
6. Abiding Faith
7. Memphis
8. Atlanta
9. Courage
10. On Her Own
11. The Legacy
12. Champion of Justice