Can anyone recommend a good history of the US Civil Rights Movement?

[Raenelle]

I'm interested in a history that covers the movement before 1954 as well as after--CORE, A. Philip Randolph, the NAACP.

Any suggestions?

[amber dog democrat]

1. There was a PBS Documentary over 15 years ago...

And I can not remember the title... but it was VERY comprehensive.

[Beware the Beast Man]

2. "Eyes on the Prize"

Very good, comprehensive documentary.

[Kahuna]

3. The original "Eyes on the Prize" is excellent. But it's out of print...

and PBS doesn't show it anymore. I've seen it selling on ebay for hundreds.

[H2O Man]

4. I'm not sure of

any single book that covers that large of a time span in-depth, with the exception of various biographies. I've found those written about King to be especially good. His best buddy Ralph wrote a great book. But the Civil Rights movement was so complexe that it is important for people to read a variety of books on it. Two books that I strongly recommend, both by Taylor Branch, are "Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-63," and "Pillar of Fire: America in the king Years 1963-65." These comprehensive studies of the Civil Rights struggle won the author a Pulitzer Prize, and are a great place to start. I have perhaps 10-12 good books on MLK, too, but would recommend starting with the Branch books.

[Davis_X_Machina]

5. Taylor Branch's

Parting the Waters: America in the King Years 1954-1963