[King Jr., Martin Luther. (1929-1968)]. Original 1964 Publishing Contract for "Why We Can't Wait". Original 1964 publishing contract between Harper & Brothers and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for Why We Can't Wait, King's account of the civil rights movement based around his essay Letter from Birmingham Jail. The present copy was retained by King, and so has been signed by Walter Bradbury and Evan W. Thomas II of Harper & Brothers, but not by King himself. Dated February 19, 1964. 4 pp. on two legal-size sheets, joined at one short edge. Folding creases and a few small edge tears; overall in very good condition. 9 x 15 inches (23.2 x 38 cm).

From the papers of Joan Daves, King’s literary agent.

King's Why We Can't Wait, based on his famous essay of the previous year and written with help from several editors, describes 1963 as the beginning of the "Negro revolution": "Just as lightning makes no sound until it strikes, the Negro Revolution generated quietly. But when it struck, the revealing flash of its power and the impact of its sincerity and fervor displayed a force of a frightening intensity. Three hundred years of humiliation, abuse, and deprivation cannot be expected to find voice in a whisper." (Why We Can't Wait, p. 16). The book was well received and shed particular light on Birmingham as "the most segregated city in America."