"A vivid and fast-paced history, Gary May's Bending toward justice offers a dramatic account of the birth and precarious life of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. It is an extraordinary story of the intimidation and murder of courageous activists who struggled to ensure that all Americans would be able to exercise their right to vote. May outlines the divisions within the Civil Rights Movement, descrivbes the relationship between President Johnson and Martin Luther King, Jr., and captures the congressional politics of the 1960s."--Back cover.

Originally published by Basic Books, a member of the Perseus Books Group in 2013. "With a new preface" -- Front cover.

The most powerful instrument -- Preface for the paperback edition -- Planting the first seed -- An ideal place -- "Give us the ballot!" -- Nothing can stop us -- To the promised land -- The die is cast -- Breaking down injustice -- Where the votes are -- The struggle of a lifetime.