"The Last Year of Malcolm X: The Evolution of a Revolutionary" by George Breitman (Vintage 1967 Edition)

The Artifact

This is a rare, early printing of the book that set the record straight. Published in 1967 by Merit Publishers (just two years after his assassination), The Last Year of Malcolm X captures the rapid, explosive evolution of Malcolm’s thought. This specific copy is a 2nd Printing (September 1967), making it a true artifact of the Black Power era, printed while the movement was still mourning and metabolizing his loss.

​Why This Artifact Matters (The Knowledge)

• ​The "Lost" Chapter: Most people know Malcolm X as the firebrand of the Nation of Islam. This book argues that his most important work happened after he left the Nation. It documents his shift toward internationalism, socialism, and connecting the Black American struggle with anti-colonial movements in Africa.
• ​Debunking the Myths: Breitman wrote this to counter the narrative that Malcolm was "confused" or "softening" at the end. Instead, he uses Malcolm's own speeches to show he was becoming more radical—moving from "civil rights" to "human rights" and preparing to take the US to the United Nations.
• ​Primary Source Energy: This isn't a modern re-interpretation. This was published when the wounds were fresh. It serves as a bridge between the Malcolm of the autobiography and the revolutionary he was becoming before he was silenced.

​Condition Report

• ​Edition: Merit Publishers, New York. 2nd Printing, September 1967.
• ​Binding: Paperback (Perfect Bound).
• ​Cover: Striking purple and white typography. The cover shows significant vintage character:
  • ​Visible creasing along the spine and front cover edge.
  • ​Corner wear and some peeling of the laminate.
• ​Interior:
  • ​Note: There is a red ink stamp or mark on the title page.
  • ​Pages are cream-colored/tanned but legible. The binding is holding but shows the fragility of a 50+ year old paperback.
• ​Provenance: Vintage political stock.