In this detailed examination of the African-American struggle for civil rights, Archer looks at three stages of the movement: the fight for freedom from slavery, the post-Civil War era, and the civil-rights struggle of the 1950s and 1960s. Revealing portraits of four well-known figures dominate the text. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs, the well-written account relies on extensive research and consultation with individuals with first-hand knowledge. Bib., ind.

Subtitled The Civil Rights Struggle from Frederick Douglass to Marcus Garvey to Martin Luther King, Jr., and Malcolm X: engagingly written biographies of four civil rights leaders, mentioning the mistakes and weaknesses—as well as the strong moral sense, high purpose, and outstanding courage—of each. Archer also places each firmly in his historical context, including numerous details and incidents that vividly evoke the social climate—a prominent white abolitionist can't bring himself to walk side by side in public with Frederick Douglass; conflicts between Marcus Garvey and W.E.B. DuBois over Garvey's flashy posturing; or class differences among supporters of Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, Jr. Archer's carefully balanced approach extends to a long concluding chapter on ``The Black Struggle Today and Tomorrow,'' discussing political events since King's death, new forms of racism, and last year's Rodney King case. An excellent resource. Bibliography, including interviews with well-known civil rights activists. Index not seen. (Biography. 10+)"

According to PW, dialogue and excerpts from speeches and writings are woven into thorough accounts of the private lives of four pivotal civil rights leaders for a """"balanced and substantive"""" look at their lives and contributions. Ages 10-up. (Feb.)

Gr 6 Up-Black history in America began in 1619 with the importation of 20 Africans as bound servants. It has continued through the centuries, and is vividly reflected here in the lives of the four men of the title. Even though all were remarkable individuals, Archer takes into account their human frailties and depicts them as believable figures. A first and final chapter fill in the eras of American black history not covered in the biographies. The injustice inflicted on people of African descent in America is described in some biting words throughout the text. Some controversial statements are undocumented and may leave readers skeptical or misinformed. For example, Abraham Lincoln is depicted as a racist; George Bush is repeatedly accused of running a racist campaign in 1988. While Archer writes in a fluent, sophisticated, but readable style, this flaw will limit the book's use as a resource for reports.- Marilyn Long Graham, Lee County Library System, Fort Myers, FL