National Book Award Non Fiction Winner

The Dead Are Arising

by Les & Tamara Payne

Summary

A biography of Malcolm X built from nearly three decades of interviews with relatives, classmates, fellow ministers, and political contemporaries conducted by the journalist Les Payne. The book follows Malcolm from his Nebraska childhood and Boston street years through his rise in the Nation of Islam, his break with Elijah Muhammad, and the events surrounding his assassination. Completed by his daughter Tamara after his death, it is now regarded as a definitive account.

Historical Context & Significance

Les Payne died before completion; his daughter finished the work, which is now considered the definitive "life" of Malcolm X.