Book Description

Now in paperback: From jazz saxophonist to one of President Nixon's closest advisers-"I zipped through Crazy Rhythm in record time and enjoyed every last page."-Saul Bellow.

Leonard Garment was a successful Wall Street attorney when, in 1965, he found himself arguing a Supreme Court case alongside his new law partner -former Vice President Richard Nixon. It was the start of a friendship that lasted more than thirty years. In Crazy Rhythm, which the New York Times Book Review called "an eloquent memoir," Garment engagingly tells of his boyhood as the child of immigrants, and the beginning of a life-long love affair with jazz. After Brooklyn Law School, Garment went on to Wall Street, where encountering Nixon changed the course of his life. Crazy Rhythm allows us a rare, intimate look at Nixon's extraordinary tenure in the White House. More than that, the book tells stories from a life that has included close encounters with characters such as Benny Goodman and Billie Holiday, Henry Kissinger and Alan Greenspan, Golda Meir and Yasser Arafat, Giovanni Agnelli and Marc Rich, and moves like the best jazz, in a writer's voice that is truly one-of-a-kind. To quote former U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, "A century from now, I cannot doubt Americans will still be reading Crazy Rhythm. This is a story of our time, written for the ages." ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Not Just Another Nixon Book...
I was enticed by this book from the moment I read about Garment's lively performance of "Tiptoe through the Tulips" at age 7 in his father's dress making factory. Having read several Watergate books, I felt that this one was different for one specific reason; Garment makes Nixon into a human being, and helps to bring Nixon's several positive qualities to life (such as his wonderful foreign policy) that many Watergate-related authors have falied to acknowledge. I especially loved the ending of the book at his daughter Annie's Bat-Mitzvah; it was a wonderful conclusion to to a nostalgic story. I am left with only one question...when will the movie be out?

Some of the questions are answered in a very human story.
Garment shines a little light on some of the more puzzling questions of the Nixon administration and on Iran/contra. He writes as he speaks, conversational and wandering. That's the book's salvation, however: finally here's the human side of some of the darker moments in Republican government. We see how the three branches, press and other groups play off each other to achieve their goals. Like any good serial author, he leaves us hungry for the next book, which will "tell all" about Watergate. I can't wait ... Read more

Book Description

It was in the courtroom that I learned how, when you build a case, every detail matters and every bit counts. And I learned that you can never for a moment forget the big picture or the broad ambitions of justice....I came to genuinely understand how smart and decent all kinds of regular people are -- even at the worst moments in their lives.And I learned how our great system can often discount the hardships and genuine suffering of such people -- and how it can sometimes seem to forget their struggle almost completely.

Before he was elected United States Senator from North Carolina in 1998, John Edwards worked as a lawyer for twenty years. Raised in a small town by parents who worked in the local mills, Edwards worked in those mills himself -- and then went on to become one of America's most successful and respected attorneys. During that time, he built a national reputation representing people whose lives had been shattered by corporate recklessness and grievous medical negligence. Often those battles took aim at entrenched powers backed by the kind of financial interests that made the chance of victory seem slim -- at least in the eyes of many. Yet in landmark cases, Edwards helped people from all walks of life stand up for themselves against tremendous odds.

Four Trials provides an electrifying account of four of his cases as it tells the story of the courageous and unmistakably decent people Edwards was privileged to represent in times of tragedy, great loss, and often great joy.And in a deeply moving account, Four Trials also speaks of the tragedies and joys that Senator Edwards has known in his own life -- and how today life and justice are more precious to him than ever. ... Read more

Reviews (43)

Trial lawyer as hero? You bet!
This book just might change your opinion of lawyers forever. Edwards dispels the pervasive cultural prejudice against lawyers by telling four compelling true stories of tragedy and justice. These are stories of people whose lives were ruined by circumstances beyond their control. The law could never give back to them what they had lost. What it could do, with the help of one compassionate lawyer named John Edwards, was to help minimize the negative impact their tragedies would have on the rest of their lives.

Four Trials is moving and poignant. It is also no less than a restorative tonic for one's faith in the American system of justice.

John Edwards' character, his love for people, and his great respect for the law shine through in the book. Reading it impressed me so much with his integrity and compassion that I now have a new hero and a new dream for this country: to make this man President some day.

A Great Read
As other reviews have noted, this is not your typical political type book. This book barely even mentions politics. If you're looking for John Edwards views on various policy, you'll have to do some homework elsewhere.

I would put this book up there with any great legal novel. The only difference is that the stories are real. I just love this book. Edwards neatly divides up the book into the four trials, each covering 40 to 50 pages. Intertwined with the storytelling of these trials is a brief biography of him and his family. The four trials he discusses are fascinating. They deal with various individuals who have been wronged and how he helped use the legal system to assist them. The book was a real "page-turner" for me. You can easily read a chapter a day and be done within a week.

After reading this book, I've come to greatly admire John Edwards the man. I'm a Democrat and had not decided who to vote for in the primary. I am sure I will be voting for Edwards now. (Assuming he is still in the race.) I only hope others will do the same. I think he will make a fine President.

Lawyers - also see Common Sense Rules of Advocacy
Edwards' book is excellent, but lawyers who want to be more persuasive should also get a practical book on trial advocacy, "Common Sense Rules of Advocacy for Lawyers." The author, Keith Evans, practiced as a British barrister for a decade and as a California trial lawyer for many years. He also lectured regularly to many American Inns of Court.

What others have said about Evans book:

"Terrific"
-- Philip H. Corboy, Corboy & Demetrio, Chicago, IL

"Valuable review for the old timers and an excellent primer for those who are starting the climb."
-- Jacob A. Stein, Stein, Mitchell & Mezines, Washington, DC

"A wonderful 'Bible' for the trial lawyer who wants to win. If only we had had this in law school!"
-- Browne Greene, Greene, Broillet, Panish & Wheeler, Santa Monica, CA

"Even the most experienced trial lawyer can pick up some new techniques here."
-- Frederick C. Moss, Professor, Dedman School of Law, Southern Methodist University

"Remarkable compendium of useful advice."
-- Roxanne Barton Conlin, Roxanne Conlin & Associates, Des Moines, IA (first woman President of Association of Trial Lawyers of America)

"Great introduction for the new lawyer and a wonderful learning tool for the advocate with experience."
-- Sherman L. Cohn, Professor, Georgetown University Law Center (first national President of American Inns of Court)

See more information about Evans' book by searching Amazon for ISBN 1587330059

Not your typical political autobiography
The author divides the book into four sections, which basically correspond to trials that impacted John Edwards as lead litigator the most. Each case deals with an individual or family, represented by Edwards, went against a large company or organization. Although we learn a bit about legal practices and learn a bit of the background on the case, the narrative is designed to help us see Edwards' reaction to the trial rather than see how the legal process works.

Interspersed in the narrative is information about Edwards, such as his marriage to his wife, a little about his childhood, and a bit about starting his own firm. These provide the readers with some perspective on Edwards in how he relates to cases and a bit on who he is, but they do not give a lot of insight into his politics, which may be by design.

Only one or two comments about the government is listed, which leads me to believe this wasn't intended to be political. However, given his run for the Democratic nomination for President, the book doesn't give me a clear idea of what he would support, although I do know what kind of man he is.

This is an interesting insight and a bit of alternative perspective to the typical political autobiography. Given the strength of his run for the nomination, I would recommend reading this, as he will probably be back.

Edwards defends America from incompetence and indifference
In this book, Senator John Edwards presents four court cases in which he represented clients who had been done grievous wrongs through the incompetence or indifference of others. The stories are riveting - Edwards paints pictures of the victims, showing how they were just plain folks with fulfilling lives, cut short or dramatically changed for the worse through no fault of their own. In dramatic court testimony, we see that the doctors, hospitals and corporations being sued are either incompetent or just can't be bothered about the reports that their products or procedures are dangerous. Edwards tells each jury that they are not just righting a wrong for his client, but protecting future potential victims by sending a message to Corporate America: This behavior will not be tolerated and will cost you plenty. However, there is a major cost to society of huge product liability and malpractice awards - prices rise for everyone to pay for insurance and awards, companies are wary of introducing new products, doctors refuse to practice. For example, if the cost of a single jury award is greater than the total income a doctor will earn in a lifetime, then only doctors who never make mistakes can afford to practice. A fundamental weakness of Edwards' book is that he never deals with this issue. From Edwards' point of view, lawsuits protect America; any limitation on the right to sue protects corporate greed. Most issues are not good vs. evil with obvious right and wrong answers. Anyone who aspires to be President of the United States must show an understanding of the complexity of the critical issues facing America. When it comes to the right to sue, Edwards sees only one side. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Baseball's first commissioner cast such a long and powerful shadow over the game, it's often hard to untangle his contribution from his personality, and his life from his lasting myth. The truth that emerges from this exhaustive and engaging biography of Judge Landis has no problem matching the outsized legend stride for stride. Landis moved into the public spotlight to clean up the national pastime after the disgrace of the 1919 World Series, but there was much more to this complex man and his complex career. Judge and Jury chronicles the entirety.

A tough, colorful judge, his rulings could be as unpredictable as he was. Landis could be as severe and stubborn as he could be gentle and understanding, characteristics that both defined his decision-making and confused his critics. Noted as a trustbuster--he went head to head with John D. Rockefeller, fining Standard Oil $29 million--he upheld baseball's exemption from antitrust status from the bench. Known for his harsh sentences, he was almost impeached for his leniency to the destitute. As commissioner, he loved the post, the game, and his perceived responsibility as its primary upholder and restorer of virtue: "You have told the world that my powers would be absolute," he warned the owners who hired him. "I wouldn't take this job for all the gold in the world unless I knew my hands were free." In his regime, they pretty much were, and he used them to grab his share of whatever power and glory he could wrap them around. --Jeff Silverman ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis: Judge and Jury
I rated this book a 5 because it captured the flavor of the Anabaptist spirit. His Mennonite heritage was outlined in the first part of the book. His character certainly was played out, as he mentioned the Landis Family is in the book of "Martyrs Mirror". This man definitely knew no compromise. It was evident that he was willing to help the underpriviledged. For anyone who knows Mennonite Philosophy he fits the ticket. I am not a baseball fan, but I did enjoy reading and seeing his character played out. Definitely worth reading.

A Thorough Biography
Someone once described Branch Rickey as a man of many facets, and they are all turned on. Much the same could describe baseball's first commissioner. Landis, being a baseball fan, appeared to make decisions which would benefit the game. An example would be delaying the Federal League court decision which could have changed the game radically. Rather than make a decision he didn't want to make, he delayed until a settlement could be made with the major leagues. He banned Shufflin' Phil Douglas when Douglas said he would go fishing rather than pitch a game for the Giants he would probably win. This was to get back at his manager, John McGraw, who gave him a vicious tongue lashing and had him given a so-called harsh drying out from alcohol abuse without his wife's knowledge as to his whereabouts. When asked by Landis his side of the story, Douglas didn't defend himself against McGraw's actions and just hung his head. Gambling wasn't a banishable offense prior to the Cobb/Speaker incident in 1927, and Landis seemed to let these two superstars off easy, whereas he was especially hard on Rogers Hornsby. The Rajah, who enjoyed attending the racetrack, stood up to Landis and said his wagering money at the racetrack was no different than Landis losing money in the stockmarket. An unfortunate character in the story is Jimmy O'Connell of the Giants. O'Connell, naively approached Heinie Sand of the Phillies about making it worth his while to lose a game against the Giants during the last week of the season. Sand, knowing what happened to Buck Weaver of the White Sox, reported the incident, and this led to O'Connell's banishment from the game. The sad part of this story is that O'Connell's teammates, Frank Frisch and Ross Youngs played a prank on O'Connell and Jimmy took it seriously. Frisch and Youngs, both Hall of Famers, were never punished. Landis's treatment of the eight Black Sox players would never be upheld today. His beginning statement, "Regardless of the verdict of juries..." tells it all. Landis would do what he wanted. He would never get away with that with either the ACLU or the players' union if they had one at that time. The author appears to defend Landis for his lack of action towards allowing blacks to play in the major leagues. Landis said he feared riots in ball parks if blacks were admitted. Maybe it was true that the time was not right, but he hid behind the tired response stating there was no rule prohibiting blacks from playing in the major leagues. Maybe not, but there was a "gentleman's agreement" that none would be signed. Some gentlemen! Landis was hired by the owners, but he didn't appear to respect them. He claimed to be a player's commissioner, and one way he showed that was in releasing players from the minor leagues that he felt covered up preventing their advancement. You really never knew what Landis' reaction would be to something. He could be very unpredictable with what he would do regarding an issue, and he seemed to play favorites regarding players. He didn't care for Branch Rickey, who he may have felt was hypocritical by playing the part of a preacher while doing things that Landis felt were self-serving. The Judge had his fights with J. G. Taylor Spink, the publisher of The Sporting News because a Saturday Evening Post article referred to Spink as Mr. Baseball and the conscience of baseball. There are some strong willed personalities in this book and the author does an excellent job of bringing this part of baseball and American history to life.

A fascinating backdrop and a paradox for the subject..
Biographer Pietrusza has undertaken a significant task in this biography, and has done admirably. He has fully explored much of what molded Judge Landis, and explores in major league fashion his checkered career as a Federal Judge. The history of baseball, of which Landis was obviously an integral componet is well researched and covered. His interactions with the other greats of the game, like Ruth, Cobb and Rickey give good insight into his character and impact.

The work does have one glaring deficciency, though. I must disagree with a fellow writer, with regard to the book's chronicle of Landis and the efforts to integrate the game. I rather felt that this (certainly the most significant of any shortcoming of his reign) was given less than adequate coverage by the author. Others have written more authoritatively (including first hand reporting of confrontations over the issue) about how intractable a foe Landis was of integration of the American pasttime. This book not only ignores almost all of these, but glosses over the issue in general with little more than an apologist's dismissal. From my perspective, this is an unpardonable transgression.

All in all, though, certainly a book worth reading by anyone interested in either the history of the game, or an exploration of who those with significant power may wield it.

A masterful biography of a complex man
David Pietruza has written an extraordinary book about a complex, fascinating man. I always thought of Landis as a mostly eccentric showman. But Pietruza gives a portrait of a towering figure with a legacy extending far beyond baseball. I bought this thinking I'd find a good baseball book for the dead of winter; what I got was that and more. Landis' early life is particularly interesting. You don't have to be a baseball fan to enjoy "Judge and Jury." It's well worth the read.

They don't make commissioners like that anymore
As the century draws to a close and sportswriters compile lists of the most important men in modern baseball, Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis should be right up there with Babe Ruth, Christy Mathewson, and Mark McGwire. Without the stern hand of Landis following the infamous "Black Sox" scandal, baseball may have evolved into a grotesque spectacle more akin to professional wrestling than the National Pastime. The grand jury indictment of eighth members of the Chicago White Sox for throwing the 1919 World Series was a black eye for baseball. The resulting trial featured "lost" confessions by the accused and a post-trial meal between players and several jurors after the not-guilty verdict. Landis had been commissioner for almost a year when he delivered his decision that still keeps Shoeless Joe Jackson out of the Hall of Fame. That is the part of the story that many baseball fans know, but one of author David Pietrusza's main points is the Judge's banning of Buck Weaver, who knew of the fix and did not report it. While it seems unfair, the decision on this matter gave baseball the honor system it previsously lacked. Gambling on games continued, but players with knowledge of a fix were more likely to go to Landis than to risk Buck Weaver's fate. Landis banned many lesser-known players during his 24-year tenure, but he also had tussles with the likes of Ty Cobb, Tris Speaker, and Rogers Hornsby on the subject of gambling. Babe Ruth's failed attempt to barnstorm against the Judge's wishes is one of the more entertaining chapters in the book. Branch Rickey's battles with Landis over the farm system in the 1930s foreshadows the clashes between future commissioner Bowie Kuhn and A's owner Charlie Finley over free agency in the 1970s. Pietrusza deftly dispells the myth that Landis alone stood in the way of intergration of baseball. The first part of the book chronicles the somewhat humble beginnings of the son of a Union surgeon from Ohio, who named his sixth child after the Civil War battle that crippled his left leg. Judge Landis, referred to throughout the book by his nickname of "the Squire," was the most successful member of a family that became influential in the midwest as well as Washington, D.C. Indeed, almost half the book details the Squire's law career and eventual appointment as a federal judge in Illinois. Author Pietrusza details each significant case ever to come before the judge, including his decision against Standard Oil and John D. Rockefeller that made Landis a household name. In the 452 pages of text, plus another 212 pages of notes and index, Pietrusza not only tells us about the man, but he puts us back in the times that the Judge lived. Having worked with the author previously, I expected the book to be thorough, but I learned more about politics, history, and yes, baseball, than I ever imagined. In the end, the life of baseball's first--and finest--commissioner is too brief and we feel sad that we shall not see his like again in the game he helped make great. ... Read more

Amazon.com

The founder of the United States's most famous detective agency was a fiery political radical in his native Scotland before immigrating to America in 1842. The genius for organization and attention to detail that he displayed as a rebel stood Allan Pinkerton (1819-1884) in good stead as he shaped a national organization capable of pursuing criminals across state lines at a time when there was no federal law enforcement. Vividly depicting his subject's eventful career, historian James Mackay corrects longstanding errors as small as Pinkerton's birthday and as large as the canard that he provided Union Army General McClellan with faulty intelligence that prolonged the Civil War. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Mackay detects truth about Allan Pinkerton
Mackay is as talanted a literary detective as Allan Pinkerton was as a criminal detective, written in a clear style that's a pleasure to read. It's a well balanced account, explaining the character's actions in the context of the times.
Mackay's first surprise is that Allan Pinkerton wasn't born when most biographers say he was. From there he goes on to uncover the truth about Pinkerton's early career in Scotland, and the truth about a 'supposed' assasination plot against Lincoln before he took office. (The plot was independently confirmed by a political enemy of Pinkerton who had no motive to make Pinkerton look good--which convinced Lincoln the plot was real, and to follow Pinkerton's suggestions to foil it. Political enemies of Lincoln denied the existence of the plot to make Lincoln out to be a coward.) Before he finishes the Civil War period, Mackay has 'rehabilited' the often pilloried Union general McClellan (whom Pinkerton worked for) and divulged startling information uncovered in 1967 about the plot to assasinate Lincoln. This book is outstanding, a definite 'keeper'.

Pinkerton review thorough, occaisionally too biased
Pinkerton Biography

The story of Allan Pinkerton, a poor Scottish immigrant and former working-class radical who rose through the ranks of society to become the protector and confidant of presidents and tycoons is a quintessential American story that deserves such a thorough telling. This book was a fascinating read, and left me wishing that the author had delved more into the numerous early cases that were only hinted at in the text.

The only serious criticism of this biography is the author appears to have gotten a little too close to his subject, which in several points has clouded his objectivity. This is apparent in the book's tendency to rush to Pinkerton's defense, particularly regarding the handling of the Molly Maguires and other labor disturbances of the late 19th century. A sweeping condemnation of the labor activists as "terrorists," or stressing the fact that they greatly outnumbered the Pinkerton operatives during violent strikes, are intended to make Pinkerton and his agents "the good guys" in the eyes of readers. This stance is questionable, however, considering the book's general lack of background information on the U.S. labor situation at this time. The author also neglects to explore how Pinkerton, a well-known Glasgow labor radical in his own youth, so readily sided with "other side" -- the titans of American industry -- later on in life.

But overall this book is a good read and well-researched, especially the chapters concerning Pinkerton's early life in Scotland and his association with President Lincoln during the Civil War.

Great description of the PI's
This books encompasses all of Allan's PI's work. I had an enjoyable time reading it. It is a fasination subjet for me. I am considering of changing careers and going into the PI business.

An interesting biography
I had always heard of the Pinkertons or Pinkerton Detective Agency, but had never really thought about who this "Pinkerton" might be. James Mackay's Alan Pinkerton: The First Private Eye is a useful biography of both the man and the firm. In his introduction, Mackay makes clear that his most original scholarship - and of which he is most proud - is in tracing Pinkerton to his youth in Scotland as a Chartist leader. Unfortunately, this is the dullest part of the book, I think because Mackay is focused wholly on doing scholarship rather than telling a story. Once his subject moves to America, however, Mackay's book gains in interest and becomes an interesting read. Here, he shows how Pinkerton, by trade a cooper, essentially stumbled onto his career as investigator through his extreme powers of observation and sheer doggedness. Though these attributes, his honesty and business acumen, Pinkerton built a business which remains in existence today. A particularly interesting section of this book deals with Pinkerton's actions during the Civil War, and the allegations that he had become a puppet of General McLellan and disloyal to Lincoln. Mackay explores and justifies Pinkerton's loyalty to "Little Mac", but argues - convincingly for me - that he did not stray from the Union (In the process Mackay argues that McLellan has been unfairly maligned and was a "great" general; this argument, however, is undeveloped, and perhaps will form another book). This is a useful and interesting book for readers interested in real-life "private eyes" and the Civil War. ... Read more

Book Description

A major new memoir by the man who argued Brown v. Board.

As chief legal assistant to Thurgood Marshall and, later, as General Counsel to the NAACP, Robert L. Carter played a central role in crafting the legal strategy for the pivotal cases of the civil rights era —arguing and winning over twenty pivotal cases before the Supreme Court, including Brown v. Board, with Thurgood Marshall. A Matter of Law is the extraordinary story of Carter's struggle for equal rights for all Americans.

Carter's history with the NAACP during its pivotal years (1945-1968) is at the center of this memoir, which offers a rare personal account of how the legal campaign in Brown was mounted. In the aftermath of Brown, Carter turned his attention to broadening the application of Brown to challenge racial inequality in Northern schools. His account of the NAACP's efforts to expose the pervasive nature of school segregation in the North brings this history to the forefront for the first time —and is essential to any discussion of the limitations of the civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

Carter's post-NAACP career enabled him to participate in and reflect on the fight for racial justice from a variety of vantage points, most recently as a federal district judge in New York. He brings a fresh and critical perspective to bear on the long-term consequences of the civil rights movement and the need for new and innovative approaches to the continuing struggle for racial justice in America. ... Read more

Book Description

During his twenty-five year career with the Investigative Support Unit, SpecialAgent John Douglas became a legendary figure in law enforcement, pursuing some of the most notorious andsadistic serial killers of our time: the man who hunted prostitutes for sport in the woods of Alaska, theAtlanta child murderer, and Seattle's Green River killer, the case that nearly cost Douglas his life.

As the model for Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, Douglas hasconfronted, interviewed, and studied scores of serial killers and assassins, including Charles Manson,Ted Bundy, and Ed Gein, who dressed himself in his victims' peeled skin. Using his uncanny ability tobecome both predator and prey, Douglas examines each crime scene, reliving both the killer's and the victim'sactions in his mind, creating their profiles, describing their habits, and predicting their next moves.

Now, in chilling detail, the legendary Mindhunter takes us behind the scenes ofsome of his most gruesome, fascinating, and challenging cases -- and into the darkest recesses of ourworst nightmares. ... Read more

Reviews (148)

Biographic story of John Douglas and the Serial Crime unit
REFERENCED BY CANDICE DELONG'S RECENT BEST SELLER:
I read this book because of a reference in the book by Candice DeLong called: "Special Agent : My Life on the Front Lines As a Woman in the FBI". In Ms. Delong's book she made many references to work that John Douglas' group did and cited this book many times. This book gave me further insight into how the Serial Crime unit evolved.

ONE THING THE BOOK DIDN'T DO, WAS EXPLAIN HOW THEY CAME UP WITH A PROFILE:
Many cased were cited in this book and the profiles that were tied to them. However, still after reading this book, I did not come away with an understanding on how they established that the potential culprit was early 20's, did not know the victim, drove a VW beetle (this can't be too great for sales), lived with his Mom and used to be a bed wetter. I can hypothesize, how this was derived, but the book only gives you that much. I imagine many hours of correlating details of solved crimes helps provide the statistical information, they use. This data I'm sure is also closely guarded. One thing they did state was some serial killers were quite bright and no doubt this date could be used as a blueprint to hide your identity. Thus, the need not to publish it. Ironically too many serial killers, were police buffs. All the more reason, not to share it here as well.

JOHN DOUGLAS COVERS MANY HIGH PROFILE CASES IN THIS BOOK BUT, IT IS MORE A BOOK ABOUT HOW THE THE SERIAL CRIME UNIT AND HOW THEY LEARNED SOME OF THE TECHNIQUES THEY USED.
Ironically, common sense prevails. Why not ask some of the perpetrators now that have nothing to lose and a lot of time on their hands. The unit begins interviews with some of the more nototious killers to see what their thoughts were when they committed the crimes they did. As predicted some offenders were less than candid, but even in their lies some insight was gained.

THE LOGIC AND STRUCTURE OF MANY SOLVED INVESTIGATIONS WAS DETAILED. Here you can see where involving this unit may be able to save precious time. From evidence gathering, questioning and staking out various locations associated with the crimes. There is a pattern we all follow. As humans, we are all creatures of habit and compulsion. Those of us driven to crime and horrible acts of violence even more so. John Douglas discusses this in many situations they dealt with.

IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR A BOOK THAT:
Covers many high profile cases in broad strokes and deals with the logic behind profiling, while also
showing the people and the process involved in building a department devoted to this, this is the book for you.

BUT, IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR
Detail case specifics and how all that profiles are generated, this is not it.

JOHN DOUGLAS DOES A NICE JOB WRAPPING UP THE DETAILS OF HIS LONG CAREER AND A PART OF IT HE FEEL PASSIONATE ABOUT. We should all be so lucky to have an opportunity to shape the world around us as he has. He has paid the price with health and family issues, but the outcome, I'm sure he would never change. Bravo.

The Amazing Douglas!
This is the first of Douglas' books I've read. After having read Robert Ressler's 2 books, I found this to be more of the same serial killer profiles, with a different spin on the same cases that Ressler reviews in his books. "Mind Hunter" has more of Douglas' personal & professional journey woven into his case studies. It's somewhat boastful of his accomplishments, and, at times, self congratulatory, but still very interesting. The book achieves a good level of insightfulness into the minds and psychopathology of the serial killers profiled. The disappointment lies, however, in that Douglas casually glosses over exactly how his profiles are derived and constructed from the particular facts of each case. Little to no analytic methodology is presented. (I mean, it's not as if readers are gonna run out and take his job away from him if he reveals too many tricks of his trade). In fact, Douglas presents his ability to profile as if he's a magical psychic, pulling personality theories out of his hat. Low and behold! - once the investigations are complete, he ends up with an accurate profile, and people are amazed by him! Nonetheless, it's an enjoyable and very interesting book. If you're intersted in criminal profiling, it's worth a read, but it's not as in-depth as say, Michaud and Hazelwood's "The Evil that Men Do".

LOVED IT
If your a true crime buff, buy it. If you've already read his book Obsession, don't....a lot of the same stories and material.

Discriminating readers
What many reviewers of John Douglas and Mark Olshaker's book seemed to have overlooked is the tie-in between the biographical information and the profiling techniques John helped to develop. The story of John's mother inquiring into his sex life leads directly to his 'everybody has a rock' theory. The story of betting on raindrops clearly shows why criminals continue to commit crimes: because they can.

John's other biographical stories help illustrate how diffcult life inside the FBI can be. The list of victims in a murder isn't limited to the one murdered; they include the family, neighbors, friends, investigators working a case and Federal law enforcement officers and their families. Anyone considering a career in law enforcement or with the Bureau, should take this into consideration before signing on.

In the context of writing, there are two ways to tell a story; telling vs showing. Mark and John chose to write this book by showing the reader how profiles are constructed. No, you won't find a step-by-step instruction manual within these pages, but you will find the method fully illustrated. An example is the Trailside Killer profile. Carpenter approached his victims in isolated areas and used a blitz attack from the rear to disable them. John Douglas wondered why and took the reader through the steps; the killer didn't attempt to lure or trick his victims as had Bundy. Instead, the killer felt the need to take the victims by surprise even in isolated areas of Tamalpais Park. This told John the killer felt awkward, possibly had a handicap. A physical impairment or disfigurement would have been noticed by others in the park at the time of the murders. That left a speech impediment. The rest of the reasoning behind the profile is detailed quite clearly.

John's methods aren't magic but a result of years of studying human nature, a creative way of thinking about a problem and a background based on intensive interviews with hundreds of convicted killers.

Ego plays a large part in the life of any law enforcement officer. Had John Douglas or Robert Ressler, or Roy Hazelwood spoken to police departments in an unsure manner, would any of those agencies have paid attention? That confidence carries over into real life and to the written word.

For those seeking an inside look at the FBI, there are other books available. Mindhunter, however, is the story of the FBI's first profilers (All of them, not just Douglas) and a look at the Behavioral Science Unit.

Mindhunter, along with John's other books co-authored with Mark Olshaker, show the impact of murder on those closest to the crimes --the families and loved ones. John Douglas' caring for the surviving victims shines from every page in which he talks about that impact, the friendships formed through tragedy, the advocacy of victim's rights and his push to have VICAP become mandatory.

If I could give a higher rating, I would rate Mindhunter a 10.

Profiles in Courage
John Douglas is a retired FBI agent who, along with collegues Rob Ressler and several others, developed a new strategy to catch some of America's (and the world's) most deplorable but elusive killers: Profiling. This new behavioral science took a look at a crime scene and the victim her/himself and after piecing these clues along with the clues left at similar murder sites, detectives were able to come up with a "profile" of the perpetrator of the crime. How? Because Douglas and others had gone to the heart of the matter: the criminals themselves. By interviewing them in prison, they were able to see why they killed, what drove them to it, their preferences, backgrounds, and fantasies. Often, the profiles were so eerily accurate that it seemed like witchcraft. Eventually, it was embraced by law enforcement and came to be a most invaluable tool for which all of us in society should be grateful for.
John Douglas describes his beginnings and his own story is as interesting as that of the sick men he later profiles for the reader. There are many insider-anecdotes for us to live vicariously through and plenty of bone-chilling (but not overly-sensationalistic) details of horrific crimes to keep us awake at night.
Luckily, a lot of these guys are locked up for life and some have even kept their dates with death (like America's most charming serial killer, Ted Bundy, who was fried on the electric chair after years of appeals and dozens of murders). But it's not that there aren't still antisocial personalities out there, waiting to explode; the apparent decline in such crime I think is due to men like Douglas, who have made studying these men his cause so that he can stay one step ahead of them. Also, Douglas and his contemporaries worked tirelessly for victim's rights and have made it possible to track cases all over the country via computer so that people can never get away with running away accross the country--to kill anew--ever again. (Bundy did just that, and because things like VICAP were not instituted yet, he went from Washington to Florida and killed more women in the southern state where no one had heard of the vicious killer.)
This book is not for the weak- it will scare you. But it is also an empowering way to look into the minds of the men (it's mostly men who turn into mass killers) who committed the crimes and become aware. I feel I learned how to "defend" myself at least psychologically.
And I consider John Douglas a real hero. ... Read more

Book Description

"Being black is an inheritance. Being a nigger is a state of mind." Born in a roach-infested tenement in South Philadelphia, on the streets by age four, a gang member by age nine, and in reform school by age twelve, Carl Upchurch's life epitomized the tragedy of inner-city America. Incarcerated for the sixth time, he was confined to solitary with only a table and chair for company. Propping up the leg of one table was a book, which, out of sheer boredom, he picked up and read: Shakespeare's Sonnets. So began his transformation from a hopeless hoodlum, lacking respect for himself, for others, for human life in general, to a self-educated advocate for urban peace and justice.

Convicted in the Womb is the story of how Carl Upchurch overcame his abject youth to become a radical civil rights activist, culminating in his organizing the first Gang Summit for Urban Peace and Justice in Kansas City. It is also an urgent call for change. Outspoken in his criticism of Jesse Jackson, the NAACP, and other icons of the established civil rights movement., Upchurch argues that it's time for a new generation of leaders, drawn from the masses, not the elite. He also outlines a grassroots New Black Power Paradigm to overcome America's political, economic, and athletic apartheid. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

The Womb is Sacred
"Convicted in the Womb" is a deeply captivating too true autobiography that reads like the first half of the life of an untold number of African-American men in the last half century.
The detailed descriptive analysis of the terms and concepts Niggerization, DeNiggerization, and AntiNiggerization is not only long overdue to the public, but gives voice and creedence to particularly those men who can identify with Carl Upchurch's
LIFE Experiences and Mission.
For someone like myself to live and breath my passion in teaching incarcerated teen boys in a court-mandated program called ACE - Adolescent Counseling Education, copies of "Convicted In The Womb" have now been placed into the hands of all my students. Through this story they can see themselves, each other, and how they place in the history of this country. They also have read and expressed that it's truly the first book they have ever read, and wanted to read!!!! This is a story to be shared and read together and discussed, because IT MEANS BUSINESS. This is a story that must be understood. People must be understood! It teaches how when we look at our personal circumstances, and then have the opportunity to look outside our life,"hood",and prison life, particularly through books, and then we can find our FREEDOM, our HOPE, our POSSIBILITIES, our ANSWERS, our WISDOM, OUR TRUE POWER IN UNITY. My students know that I care about them and demonstrate it by my fierce committment to AntiNiggerization. May the Youth of America read this book! May the people who work with Youth read this book! May the Prison Staff read this book! May our Spiritual Leaders and Activists read this book! May the High Schools and Colleges put this in their adopted book lists for VIOLENCE PREVENTION coursework and THE RESOURCE MANUAL for all students on how to help our youth coming up with the Community Work they can do to CHANGE our World for the better!!! And so May the Politicians read this book! May the Parents [who understandably worry about their childrens' safety and future] read this book. My students all know now that there are people all over this country changing things for the better, people just like them, and they have our support!!! My students are learning that the Womb is Sacred, we all as Equals are Sacred.

What is next?
It has been about 4 years now since I read this book. To me it was an excellent autobiography and told a miraculous story. So, Carl, what have you been up to since?

Hope and Inspiration
Carl vividly describes his life beginning as a young child. The challenges he faced growing up in this society are dramatically expressed in the first paragraph of the book. This is clearly a story of hope and inspiration as it shows the struggles one endures in making positive changes in one's life. Carl shows how God worked in his life and how the impact of the Holy Spirit in one person's life can impact the world. Many inmates identify with Carl's life experiences and view him as a role model. Carl's story quickly invites the reader into his life and is difficult to put down until the last page is read. ... Read more

Book Description

In this unauthorized biography, the most authoritative ever written about the controversial Supreme Court Justice, Andrew Peyton Thomas (no relation) explores Clarence Thomas' remarkable rise from a childhood of poverty in segregated Georgia to the nation's highest court. In his attempt to understand what drives the elusive and sometimes enigmatic Justice, the author located and conducted the first-ever interview with Clarence Thomas' father, as well as interviews with his mother, sister, and other relatives and friends.He follows Thomas up from Jim Crow and traces the important decisions of his youth-why he chose not to become a Catholic priest; why he engaged in radical protests as a college student. We see Clarence Thomas in the full as a young lawyer in Missouri and then as a rising star in Washington.Published to coincide with the tenth anniversary of Thomas' confirmation hearings, this dramatic biography offers new insights into the conflict with Anita Hill that made Clarence Thomas a household name-and inflicted deep scars on him that endure to this day.The author draws on insights supplied by former Supreme Court clerks and interviews with Washington insiders like former President George Bush and Court colleague Antonin Scalia in his exploration of Thomas' life and jurisprudence over the last decade."Clarence Thomas" peels away all the clichés about its subject in giving us a vivid and balanced account of a remarkable American life. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Buy this book in spite of the biased review Amazon provides
It is quite simply a masterpiece. Justice Thomas is portrayed as a real human being who has survived the castigation of the far Left... with a dignity that speaks loud and clear above the wailing of the extreme left Liberals who cannot believe a man of color exists who they cannot control. Read how this man of incredible intellect and courage overcomes all odds to become the first black intellectual to occupy the bench. Unlike Thurgood Marshall who knew political correctness before it became the defacto "law of the land", this biography portrays a true independent thinker and voice for judicial freedom that will not be silenced. The depths to which the Left will sink in its outrage when anyone escapes from the plantation is well documented. The viciousness of the Left and NOW during the Hill debacle is nicely contrasted with their mute impotent silence during the Clinton impeachment proceedings. It is well written and well researched, and most importantly unbiased unlike other competing biographies. Somehow this bio was allowed to be published. Do not forgo the opportunity to read and own your own copy.

Riveting
At first I was worried that I would not be able to get through Thomas' early life to get to his Supreme Court years, by about 75 pages in, I wondered how the Supreme Court years could be as good as the first part of the book was turning out to be. This book is great and, amazingly, a quick read, not to mention well researched and very unbiased. The author takes Thomas to task for his occational self-indulgence, and yet paints a picture of Thomas that leaves me hoping I just read a biography of the next Chief Justice.

A Profile in Courage
This biography of Justice Thomas is outstanding. It encompasses time from pre-civil war slavery to the decision of Bush v. Gore. Although the author's treatment of Justice Thomas is evenhanded, it would be difficult to complete this work without having a greater appreciation for Justice Thomas' independence and intelligence.

A man unfairly persecuted, but a man who stood tall and won!
I live in San Francisco, home to many angry female liberals whose "I Believe You Anita" bumper stickers are just beginning to peel and fade. When the now-famous Anita Hill hearings took place I was only 11 years old. I naturally have no recollection of them, nor could I comprehend at the time their dangerous implications for the future of one brilliant man and the future of the American judicial system. Coming across this book at a local bookstore, I decided to give it a chance and learn about an important piece of American history and biography...I am so glad I did.

Since the beginning of the book I have been awestruck at Thomas's courage, fortitude, and intelligence. This biography masterfully retells his life story in such a way which is both captivating and awe-inspiring. In addition, this book proves again how vicious the political Left can be when their own preach for "diversity" goes awry in that a minority him/herself does not share their distorted political views. Men and women like Thomas, regardless of color, should each take a step back to really figure out their political views and ideologies. Too many today rely only on what "feels good" rather than what is right. Clarence, on the other hand, while always remembered as "different" by his colleagues, figured out on his own what was wrong and right and because of this won a lifetime battle against adversity and corruption.

I STRONGLY recommend this book to anyone, regardless of party affiliation, to learn about a truly remarkable man and a truly remarkable American. He came from such poverty and destitution, and today he proudly reigns on the Supreme Court. America is such an awesome country!

a fascinating look at a complex man
This is a remarkable book. The author has achieved what Samuel Johnson said was the ultimate end of a good biography--exploring the faults of a subject to gain credibility for praise of his virtues. The author shows Clarence Thomas as a flawed and human man, anxious for advancements, prickly in his pride. He also shows the Justice as an unbelievably strong and moral person, someone whose hard-won achievements are real--and really honorable. The author has new information on Anita Hill and on each stop that Clarence Thomas has made on his long journey to the Highest Court. He has also recreated the long piece of history--from slavery, through Jim Crow, through the Second Revolution of the Civil Rights Movement--that produced this charismatic figure. This is biography and history at its best. ... Read more

Book Description

There is a huge biographical literature about Brandeis, but most of those studies confine themselves to general discussions of his constitutional ideas and certain major doctrinal areas such as substantive due press and the First Amendment. This book considers not only those, but also other less well-known areas, presenting a deeper and more complex view of the development of Brandeis's overall constitutional jurisprudence. Purcell argues that Brandeis's greatness lies in his success in merging his commitment to progressive political policies and principles with the practical and normative demands of wise constitutional judging. ... Read more

Book Description

Legendary attorney Edward Bennet Williams was arguably the best trial lawyer ever to practice. Now, for the first time, best-selling author Evan Thomas takes us into the courtrooms of William's greatest performances as he defends "Godfather" Frank Costello, Jimmy Hoffa, Frank Sinatra, The Washington Post, and others, as well as behind the scenes where the witnesses are coached, the traps set, and the deals cut.

In addition to being a lawyer of unprecedented influence, Williams was also an important Washington insider, privy to the secrets of America's most powerful men. Thomas tells the truth behind the stories that made Williams one of the most talked about public figures of his time, including Williams' role in the publication of the Pentagon Papers and the possibility that Williams may have been Watergate's Deep Throat. Based on Thomas's exclusive access to Williams's papers, "The Man to See" is an unprecedented look at the strategies and influence of this exceptional man. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

A great Book
This is one of the best biographies ever written. A wonderful piece about an interesting man.

A Magnificent Biography of a Fascinating Man
Take a fascinating subject-- Edward Bennett Williams. Add a highly-skilled author with remarkably deep interviewing and archival research skills-- Evan Thomas. Put in a lot of hard work. And presto-- you have Thomas' "The Man To See," one of the most thorough biographies ever written (I have read many hundreds).

Edward Bennett Williams was one of the most dynamic men of the 20th Century-- a great figure of destiny whose life would have seemed emptier had not Evan Thomas been his biographer. EBW was a self-made man in the days where one could still achieve that accolade. He was no spoiled yuppie of family money. Bright, hard-working, forward-thinking, compassionate and disciplined-- and a wonderful rogue!-- this was Edward Bennett Williams. Warts and all, Evan Thomas presents the larger-than-life lawyer who pioneered criminal law practice in postwar America, bringing the constitution into the 20th Century. He sought power for the purpose of doing good, after doing well. Thomas interviewed practically every living person with whom EBW had a conversation or situation.

I am re-reading "The Man to See" for the fourth time in ten years. It remains fresh and fun. What a brilliant book!

Excellent, Excellent book
This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. It is a great story about a great man. I read a lot of biographies and I can tell when the author is fauning over his subject - just read some of Robert Slater's books on Jack Welch. Thomas book did none of that. Thomas made you feel that he was giving an accurate and true account of Williams life. Of couse Thomas was helped by selecting a subject that was larger than life, a one of a kind person both in legal talent and raw personality. This book is right up there with "Vince", Michael O'Brien's biography of Vince Lombardi. Interestingly, Lomardi and Williams were very much alike - both very religious yet profane, and above the rest of their competitors in their chosen fields. They were also both like to drink, were emotional and quick to say exactly what they thought or felt about something. I recommend this book to anyone who likes to read biographies about great men.

A tremendous book
I have never been more absorbed by a book than by this one. Admittedly my interest was heightened by the fact that Williams was my criminal law teacher at law school, but I found this a fantastic book. Evan Thomas (did you know he is Norman Thomas' grandson?) paints Williams warts and all, and I found it a searing read. The account of Williams' deathly fight with cancer is most poignant. Anyone at all interested in law should read this book, and anyone interested in an amazing life will be enthralled by this account.

The Man to See...
This is one of those books that you'll have to read twice. It is that good. Like a good movie, the end comes to quickly. If you are a lawyer, you will especilly appreicate and understand the trials and tribulations of Edward Bennett Williams. ... Read more

Book Description

Clarence Thomas, the youngest and most controversial member of the Supreme Court, could become the longest-serving justice in history, influencing American law for decades to come. Who is this enigmatic man?
And what does he believe in?

Judging Thomas tells the remarkable story of Clarence Thomas's improbable journey from hardscrabble beginnings in the segregated South to the loftiest court in the land. Driven by his grandfather's relentless demand that he counter racial injustice with hard work and accomplishment, Thomas has waged an often lonely fifty-year campaign to forge his own American identity against others' expectations of who he should be.

With objectivity and balance, author Ken Foskett chronicles Thomas's contempt for upper-crust blacks who snubbed his uneducated, working-class roots; his flirtation with the priesthood and later Black Power; the resentment that fueled his opposition to affirmative action; the conservative beliefs that ultimately led him to the Supreme Court steps; and the inner resilience that propelled him through the doors.

Based on interviews with Thomas himself, fellow justices, family members, and hundreds of friends and associates, Judging Thomas skillfully unravels perhaps the most complex, controversial,and powerful public figure in America today. Foskett reveals that beneath the silent, often brooding exterior is a man of depth, empathy, and wit, but one still deeply scarred by his humiliating Supreme Court confirmation.

Judging Thomas is a seminal biography of the youngest and most recognizable justice, and the man who may succeed William H. Rehnquist to become the nation's first black chief justice.

Book Description

JOE JAMAIL has been...
—The lawyer who won the biggest lawsuit in history, Pennzoil vs. Texaco, with $11 billion verdict...
—Has been responsible for the national recall of three dangerous products—Remington 600, Honda All Terrain 3 Wheelers, and the prescription drug Parlodel...
—Dubbed "King of Torts" by Time and Newsweek and "Trial Lawyer of the Century" by Texas Monthly and California Trial Lawyers... 
—The lawyer who has over $12 billion in jury verdicts and over $13 billion in verdicts and settlements.
—The lead counsel in over 200 personal injury cases where recovery was in excess of $1 million...
—Described by his own mother as the kind of boy she didn't want her sons playing with...

He has been called , a savior, a philanthropist, a "good ‘ol boy," and a SOB—but one thing Joe Jamail has never been is boring! ... Read more

Reviews (5)

The Other Reviewers Are Obviously NOT from Texas!
Mr. Jamail's book is terrific. Yes he's a little full of himself but his results are real and he has accomplished a lot in his legal career. He's also had a few major financial scores that have put him in a very unique class of lawyer. This is a fun book with many stories about individual cases that made an impression on Joe and thus inspired him to fight for his client.

Enertaining
I found Joe's book entertaining and easy to read. His passion for his clients and job is a trait not held by most in the law profession.

Jamail is a jerk
Joe Jamail's book is a microcosm of his superiority complex. He thinks he is above the little man and this book reeks of his own feelings of self-importance. Why anyone would want to read this piece of garbage is beyond me.

Jamail is a jerk and his book sucks.
Joe Jamail is an arrogant jerk. He has the audacity to claim he is above the little man and superior. His book sucks and reeks of self-importance.

Great, quick read...entertaining
Joe's account of his life is told in the great prose of a trial lawyer. I really liked this book, if you want a look into this "larger than life" man, buy it. You pay! ... Read more

Book Description

Alex Wellen is an excited, ambitious, and overwhelmed twenty-something law student trying to integrate into one of the most powerful and promise-filled cities in the world—New York. As he moves from graduating student to licensed lawyer—the second most important nine months he ever spent “gestating”—Alex fantasizes about the glitzy, high-powered lifestyle of a Manhattan attorney. He imagines hobnobbing with the elite, eating at the best restaurants, and being a guest at the most coveted social events—but in this city of overachievers, he is reminded every step of the way that he did not go to Harvard. Can he overcome the profession’s snobbery by wearing overpriced ties from Barneys, seat-filling at the VH1 fashion awards, cavorting with B-list celebrities, and throwing TriBeCa loft parties?

Is it enough for him to look and play the part?

Along the way, we meet his fellow sufferers in the dread-inducing bar exam cram courses, his girlfriends and roommate, the law firm recruiters interested in hiring him (and those who aren’t), and the new associates who work with him at a high-profile law firm, some of whom, the odds are, won’t pass the bar.

Savvy and entertaining, Wellen’s story is The Paper Chase meets Sex and the City—a career memoir for anyone who has discovered his or her life’s goal, yet must overcome tremendous obstacles to attain it.

Barman is an honest, revealing, and hilarious portrait of a lawyer as a young man. ... Read more

Reviews (11)

Barman Nails It !
Alex Wellen has captured the American Law School Experience. More than that - Alex has written a compelling modern coming-of-age tale. This is a must read for anyone in law school, considering lawschool, and anyone who just wants to enjoy themselves immersed in a good book! Laugh endlessly while reflecting on the greater meaning of life. Discover that the end is worth the journey, and the journey doesn't always end where you think it will.

A Humorous and Heartfelt Take on Life and Practicing Law
I've read basically every major law school book (1L, Anarchy and Elegance, Planet Law School etc.) and this is my favorite. It's the most real. Alex Wellen has a refreshing and inspiring take on law school and life as a new associate. It's also pretty damn funny (I actually read some parts out loud to my mother and girlfriend and they were really cracking up). It's easy to get jaded vert quickly by law school and the early stages of the job process and this book is a must read for anyone in need of a good laugh about the lunacy of the whole experience.

I laughed, I Cried
Alex,

I loved your book!!!! I am a mother of a 2nd year law student at NYU (Yale Grad) all first tiers and can relate so well to your angst. I cried - I laughed out loud and have been touting your book as a must read. I am going to buy a 2nd copy and send it to my son - no sense in his reinventing the wheel. I am glad everything worked out for the best and thanks for sharing your story.

Joyce

The Joy of Victory, The Agony of Defeat
In a matter of a few hundred pages, Wellen takes the reader through the turbulent experience that is the decision to apply to law school, the intense preparation required for the bar exam, and finally, the practice of law. But what I enjoyed most, was that the perspective does not remain focused on our sarcastic, frustrated protagonist, but shifts to reveal the complex reactions of those non-lawyers supporting him along the way. You don't have to be an attorney to love this book. But if you are, you will absolutely find a piece of yourself inside, most likely viewed from a more uplifting, albeit bittersweet, point of view.

BARMAN is a must read ...
FIVE (5) TYPES of people should absolutely purchase BARMAN: 1) ASPIRING law school students; 2) CURRENT law school students; 3) ANYONE who has ever taken a bar exam and enjoys a good laugh, or cry; 4) ATTORNEYS who would enjoy reminiscing about the beginnings of their legal careers; 5) LAW PROFESSORS so that they may reaquaint themselves with this painful and at times absurd process. If you don't fall into any one of the FIVE TYPES above but know someone who does buy it for them- it's a great primer for the legal wannabe.

BARMAN is funny, honest, and best of all accurate in its portrayal of typical law school life and the birthing process of "baby" lawyers via the bar exam. The best part of the story is that the author's experiences are "par for the course" when it comes to the majority of law school students. Wellen attended a good but not "great" law school. Readers will relate to Wellen's story because most of us did not get into our "dream" school. What unfolds in BARMAN is a story that 98% of law school types will immediately recognize as true. That is why BARMAN will endure as recommended reading for those who think that they want to become a lawyer. ... Read more

Book Description

Like Abigail Adams, Malvina Shanklin Harlan witnessed—and gently influenced—national history from the unique perspective of a political leader’s wife. Her husband, Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan (1833–1911), played a central role in some of the most significant civil rights decisions of his era, including his lone dissenting opinion in Plessy v. Ferguson, the infamous case that endorsed separate but equal segregation. And for fifty-seven years he was married to a woman who was busy making a mental record oftheir eventful lives.

After Justice Harlan’s death in 1911, Malvina wrote Some Memories of a Long Life, 1854–1911, as a testament to her husband’s accomplishments and to her own. The memoir begins with Malvina, the daughter of passionate abolitionists, becoming the teenage bride of John Marshall Harlan, whose family owned more than a dozen slaves. Malvina depicts her life in antebellum Kentucky, and her courageous defense of the Harlan homestead during the Civil War. She writes of her husband’s ascent in legal circles and his eventual appointment to the Supreme Court in 1877, where he was the author of opinions that continued to influence American race relations deep into the twentieth century. Yet Some Memories is more than a wife’s account of a famous and powerful man. It chronicles the remarkable evolution of a young woman from Indiana who became a keen observer of both her family’s life and that of her nation.

When Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg began researching the history of the women associated with the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress sent her Malvina Harlan’s unpublished manuscript. Recalling Abigail Adams’s order to “remember the ladies,” Justice Ginsburg has guided its long journey from forgotten document to published book. Some Memories of a Long Life includes a Foreword by Justice Ginsburg, as well as an Afterword by historian Linda Przybyszewski and an Epilogue of the Harlan legacy by Amelia Newcomb. According to Library Journal, “This is the sort of book you call a publishing event.” ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Not very interesting
There are only a few pages worth reading in this volume, and the editor who passed it up the first time ( around 1914) knew his business.She is at her most interesting when describing some of the minutae and customs of 19th century life.When she starts descibing people, places and events, she falls flat. Very superficial, very stereotyped. ... Read more

Book Description

Clarence Thomas is one of the most vilified public figures of our day. To date, however, his legal philosophy has received only cursory treatment.First Principles provides a portrait of Thomas based not on the justice's caricatured reputation, but on his judicial opinions and votes, his scholarly writings, and his public speeches.

The paperback edition includes a provocative new Afterword by the author bringing the book up to date by assessing Justice Thomas's performance, and the reaction to his decisions, during the last five years. ... Read more

Reviews (5)

An exceptional book
This is an exceptional book. What Gerber has done is to avoid the political panderings of both the left and right wing and given us an objective, unbiased consideration of Justice Thomas'opinions. What a pleasure to read a book based in data not political philosophy. Plus the book is very well written. Kudos to Mr Gerber

a remarkably intelligent-and courageous-study.
While it is true to say that Clarence Thomas is one of the most vilified men to sit on the Supreme Court, it must also besaid that he has also often suffered from having the wrong kind of defenders. With the lonely exception of Senator John Danforth, practically none of Thomases defenders has taken the time to understand his thought or character. Finally, an inteeligent book has been written about Thomas, by someone who comes ne