Of Long Memory: Mississippi and the Murder of Medgar Evers

This account was writt6en in 1994 and covers the story of the murder of Medgar Evers up to the time when Byron de la Beckwith was convicted. The author makes the trial seem like a slam dunk so far as the law was concerned, but a perusal of the Mississippi Supreme Coutt opinions show that there were real legal problems in bringing him to trial so long after the murder. The citation for the case is 707 So. 2nd 547. The conviction was affirmed by a four to 2 vote with 3 justices not participating. Nossiter tells the story from a number of angles and it is simply absorbing reading. And since the book ends with justice triumphant it is a most satisfying book, showing that some things do eventually turn out right.

First, my reviewer credentials for this book. I was born in MS and lived there through the 60's. If one wants to get a real understanding of the expereience of Mississppi in the that time, read Nossiter's book. It covers far more than just the Beckwith trial, though that part of the book in and of itself makes for a fascinating read. This is an outstanding book on so many levels. This was truly one of those books that I sort of hoped would just never end.

I concur with the previous reviewer. Mr. Nossiter has produced a well-researched and fascinating chronicle of the case of Medgar Evers, including a detailed and chilling portrait of his assassin. Nossiter also effectively re-creates the eerie atmosphere of early 1960's Mississippi, where the Klan, the White Citizens' Council, and the Sovereignty Commission flourished, and where a man like Beckwith would become a sort of folk hero to his fellow racists. However, it is also a story of dogged determination and the quest for justice, as exemplified by Myrlie Evers and Bobby DeLaughter, whose efforts culminated in the long-overdue conviction of Beckwith. It is a story of tragedy and triumph, skillfully crafted by a talented and deeply insightful writer. Well done, Mr. Nossiter!

Forget the Movie. This is the book to read about the assisination of Medgar Evers and the subsequent retrial some 30 years later of the killer. The author provides a moving and engrossing story as well as sharp analysis of the social conditions and personalities involved.