A spy in Canaan

By Marc Perrusquia

Subjects: Undercover operations -- United States -- History -- 20th century, African American civil rights workers, Biography, United states, federal bureau of investigation, Withers, Ernest C., 1922-2007, Spies, African Americans, HISTORY / United States / 20th Century, Civil rights movements, Informers -- Tennessee -- Memphis -- Biography, Photographers -- Tennessee -- Memphis -- Biography, POLITICAL SCIENCE / Civil Rights, United States, Black power, Espionage, United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation -- History, United States. Federal Bureau of Investigation, Photographers, African American photographers, Informers, Civil rights movements -- United States -- History -- 20th century, Documentary photography, Civil rights, History, Undercover operations, Race relations, PHOTOGRAPHY / Photojournalism, Political aspects

Description: The story of the double life of famed civil rights photographer Ernest Withers--and how a closely guarded government secret finally came to light, told by the journalist who broke the story. Ernest Withers captured some of the most iconic moments of the Civil Rights Movement -- from the rare photo of Martin Luther King, Jr. in repose to the haunting photo of Emmet Till's great-uncle pointing an accusing finger at Till's killers. He was trusted and beloved by King's inner circle, and had a front row seat to history. But what most people don't know is that Withers was an informant for the FBI -- and his photos helped the Bureau identify and surveil the era's greatest figures. This book explores the life, complex motivations, and legacy of this fascinating figure.--Publisher.