Editorial Review

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Reviews (164)

a true eye opener for personal safety
I think what I took away from reading this book was really a lesson in personal safety. I found myself really paying attention to everything going on around me and walking a little bit taller. This isn't for everyone but I found it a critical read living and working in the city at night. I actually was able to identify a bad scene unfolding in front of me and got my feet moving to avoid it. John Douglas presents the facts in a non-alarmist way while still putting great emphasis on what bad dudes are all about. This is a must read for anyone in law enforcement and anyone who likes to gain power through knowledge.

Good insights into human nature
This was a very interesting book describing the rise of criminal profiling in the F.B.I.John Douglas pioneered the combination of psychology and crimaal catching which has become so popular today, especially since Thomas Harris' Silence of the Lambs, which showed the public how this new science works (in an exaggerated form, of course).This book details how that science developed, what it's benefits are, and why it should be used, but unfortunately Mr. Douglas doesn't really tell us a whole lot about how exactly it works.He looks at case files, examines autopsy reports, then comes up with a profile of the killer.All of the cases he records in this book are cases he got right (one wonders how many he has gotten wrong, since he mentions having done hundreds and hundreds of cases, and he only mentions a few dozen), yet he never really bridges the gap between case file analysis and criminal profiling.Perhaps he doesn't want us to know, so that criminals cannot use that information to their advantage.If so, he should have explained himself, as the books cover and intro are rather misleading.
I CONFESS! I READ THIS BOOK!
Hey, I am not looking for a plea bargain here. I plead guilty to reading Mindhunter by John Douglas.
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Subjects:  1. Biography/Autobiography    2. Criminal investigation    3. General    4. Lawyers & Judges    5. Murder    6. Nonfiction - True Crime / Espionage    7. Psychology    8. Serial murder investigation    9. Serial murderers    10. True Crime / Espionage    11. U.S. Government - Intelligence Agencies    12. United States    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Douglas, John E    15. Political structure & processes    16. USA   

Reviews (1)

AN ACTIVIST BEFORE HIS TIME!
Earl Dickerson is a name unknown to most civil rights activists today,but without his contributions that started nearly eighty years ago the United States would still be "a third world country" in regards to race relations.As Chicago aldermen(the First black Democrat),activist member of FDRs FEPC,member and President(1951-'54) of the progressive National Lawyers Guild(labeled "subversive" by the U.S. Attorney General and the U.S. House Un-Americans)Why is it ALL organizations that want to extend freedom,in the U.S., are labeled "RED"?Mr Dickerson(deceased 1985) was a pioneer and visionary that ALL Americans should get to know and admire.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. African American lawyers    3. African American politicians    4. African Americans    5. Biography    6. Biography & Autobiography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Chicago    10. Civil rights    11. History    12. Illinois    13. Lawyers & Judges    14. People of Color    15. Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges    16. Biography: political    17. Black studies    18. Civil rights & citizenship    19. USA   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Ethnic Studies - Hispanic American Studies    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. United States - State & Local - West   

Subjects:  1. 1932-    2. 1960-    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Historical - General    8. History    9. Lawyers    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Paterson, Alex K.,    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Quâebec (Province)    14. Biography: general    15. Canada    16. Jurisprudence & General Issues   

Reviews (5)

Poorly organized, written and edited
As a physician I looked forward to reading this, but it is poorly organized, written and edited. The author bounces back and forth within a chapter. I expected a straight discourse on each case instead there was a mishmash. For example in one chapter I thought he was going to discuss two malpractice cases that Lincoln defended. Instead there is an eassay on Medical Malpractice from 1830s through the 1850s.In another chapter about a malpractice on a broken leg that was not set as the patient wanted, there is a three page discourse on all the medical literature that Lincoln COULD have used. IN the end the case was setteld, but then we never find out the particulars of the settlement, why it was settled or such.Overall a major disappointment for me.

lincoln the lawyer
Like everything else concerning Lincoln's life, his law practice has acquired the patina of legend over the years.Mr. Spiegel's book does an excellent job of dispelling myths and presenting Lincoln as a well respected attorney with a thriving practice. The strongest part of the book are the introductory materials and the first two chapters.Lincoln is shown to be willing to argue any side of a case based on his clients' needs.In a case where two men had a monetary dispute Lincoln was hired by one man for the trial and by the other man during the appeal. Reamrks about the difficulty assessing an attorney's effectiveness based on the won-loss record are well considered. Abraham Lincoln WAS a Shrewd Lawyer
Many people believe that Abraham Lincoln was just a hick lawyer.This book cites more than 60 cases and shows that Lincoln was a top notch shrewd, sophisticated lawyer.In addition, Lincoln took on all types of cases and earned a good iving.He represemterd a slave owner even though he opposed the idea of slavery.He defended people accussed of murder and he prosecuted murderers.He represented corporations and he handled many individual bad debt cases.It was particularly interesting to read about Lincoln's daily mixture of law, politics and activities in the society of his time.For the first time, this book uses newly discovered legal documents about Lincoln's practice and the author describes cases that were previously unknown. There is a large mass of references and a substantial bibliography - about 40 pages of material. If lincoln had not been elected president, there is no doubt that he would have become one of the leading lawyers in the nation.Obviously, lawyers will enjoy this book along with historians and the general public.I heartedly recommend this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1809-1865    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Contributions in law    5. Historical - U.S.    6. History    7. History: American    8. Illinois    9. Law    10. Lawyers    11. Lawyers & Judges    12. Legal History    13. Lincoln, Abraham,    14. Practice of law    15. Presidents & Heads of State    16. U.S. History - Constitutional Period To Civil War (1789-1860)    17. United States - 19th Century    18. Lincoln, Abraham   

Reviews (1)

Very informative but dry
This book is a decisive history of Thurgood Marshall's actions and the effects that he had on the civil rights of African-Americans while he worked with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People(NAACP).His successes, failures, and discussions of his effects make it avery informative book.It is quite obvious that the author spent a greatamount of time researching his topic of choice.The book is absolutelyfull of quotes from people of the time and very detailed factual accountsof events. Unfortunately, the content is not written in an extremelyappealing matter.It tends to drone on and on about various cases andactions which have no major significance in history nor in the life ofMarshall.If you can read through the dry spots, though, its a great book. You can really get a felling for the social climate of the era as well asthe thoughts and feelings of Marshall himself.As a research tool, thiswas definitely the most valuable book I came across.If I was rating thisbook based on its information it would be an easy five.Ultimately, it isa good book for pleasure reading but not the best.I would have to saythat Juan Williams' Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary is the best. If you are interested in Marshall's career, though, you want to look atTushnet's other book Making Constitutional Law : Thurgood Marshall and theSupreme Court, 1961-1991. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1908-1993    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Business/Economics    5. Christianity - Literature    6. Civil Rights    7. History    8. Judges    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. Marshall, Thurgood,    11. People of Color    12. Religion    13. U.S. - Political And Civil Rights    14. U.S. Supreme Court    15. United States    16. Constitutional & administrative law    17. Human rights    18. Inter-war period, 1918-1939    19. Law / Legal History    20. Law | Civil Rights Law    21. Marshall, Thurgood    22. Postwar period, 1945 to c 2000    23. Second World War, 1939-1945    24. Social history    25. USA   

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Courts - General    5. Jurisprudence    6. Lawyers & Judges    7. Legal System    8. U.S. Supreme Court    9. Biography: general    10. Courts & procedure    11. Jurisprudence & philosophy of law    12. USA   

Editorial Review

David Boies's memoir should be a bestseller for two simple reasons. First, his spectacular legal career, representing clients as diverse as Al Gore, George Steinbrenner, the U.S. Justice Department, and Calvin Klein, provides ample material for a compelling exploration of the practice of law in its most high-profile glory. And secondly, the book seems bound to sell well simply because most enterprises Boies gets himself involved with, from lawsuits to Las Vegas gambling, tend to pay off big. In Read more

Reviews (13)

One of the greatest legal minds of his time
In sorting out the various element that contributed to Boeis's distinguished career as a lawyer who gave pride and grace to his profession, I could come up with few, based on his narration of and his broadcasted trials:
A good read, but what is missing is David Boies
David Boies is a true legal superstar and deservedly so.He is probably best known for arguing the losing side in Bush v. Gore to the U.S. Supreme Court.The book is a cross section of what the author believes to be some of his most interesting cases and many of them are.The book is readily accessible to the lay reader.Boies goes out of his way to explain even the simplest and most obvious points of law so that no one need be left behind.His rise to stardom is all the more extraordinary considering he was dyslexic.He glosses over his two failed marriages and we get to meet all the members of his extended family.But what I found curiously missing is David Boies, the man.He is very careful to hide his feelings about virtually everything except for a couple of lawyers.He is an observor of his actions, rather than a participant.His eye is incisive and he misses nothing.But where is he?He never tells you how he feels (sad, angry, happy).It's as if he left a holographic David Boies for you to look at to fool you into thinking it is the real thing.Surely the book is a fascinating look inside one of our great legal minds and well worth reading, but when I finished, I had no idea of what David Boies is really like.

A good read in need of a good editor
It's hard to imagine that a non-lawyer might enjoy reading about a conspiracy to fix the price of vitamins or the fees charged by auction houses, but I certainly did.Boise is able to distill complicated legal issues into easily understandable terms.The cases range from the above antitrust issues to the more famous Microsoft case to a horrific custody battle to the Bush v. Gore recount fiasco.Boise approaches all with a sense of humor and a clarity of prose.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Lawyers    7. Lawyers & Judges    8. Personal Memoirs    9. Practice Of Law    10. Trial practice    11. United States    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Subjects:  1. (Isabelle Randall)    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. English    7. Farmers & Ranchers    8. General    9. I. R    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Montana    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Ranchers    14. Regional Subjects - West    15. United States - 19th Century    16. United States - State & Local - General    17. Women ranchers   

Reviews (114)

187 used & newfrom $0.02
No one should let this book escape perusal, especially at this reasonable price! You've heard that Karl Rove is "Bush's brain?" Well, Ms. Hughes is "Bush's brain on drugs (with a side of bacon)!"
drivel
What absolute useless drivel, why anyone would waste time writing this book is beyond me. There is nothing at ALL worthwhile or interesting anywhere to be found in the book.
Know Thine Enemy!
Bush's Dominatrix Hughes is a consumate liar and expert at intellectual abuse and manipulation. The ONLY reason anyone should read this book is to "know thine enemies"!
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Subjects:  1. 1957-    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Hughes, Karen,    7. Lawyers & Judges    8. Political    9. Political consultants    10. Presidents    11. Staff    12. U.S. Federal Government    13. U.S. Practical Politics    14. United States    15. Women    16. Women lawyers    17. Political Science / General   

Subjects:  1. (Gus Jerome),    2. 1906-1987    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Jewish judges    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Political    10. Solomon, Gus J.    11. United States - State & Local - Pacific Northwest    12. American studies    13. Political science & theory    14. USA   

Reviews (2)

Essential reading for young lawyers and law students
As I read this book, I found myself saying "this is why I went to law school" again and again.As an example of what someone can do with a law degree and a conscience, no one surpasses Michael Tigar.Young lawyers should read this for inspiration.Law students should read this to remind themselves why sitting through four hours of Contracts or Evidence or Federal Courts matters.Activists should read this to relish the victories and learn new approaches.Anyone who has ever watched The Practice or Law & Order should read this to understand what criminal defense lawyers really do.

Fighting the good fight
A vivid and engaging glimpse into the highstakes game of constitutional law. What's at issue is whether there will be any control at all over police and prosecutors in the USA. The cases and issues frame the world we in the USA will all have to live in, and it would be a far better one were Tigar's side to win.In the voice of an experienced (and winning) storyteller, Tigar takes the reader through the strategies, gambles and often humorous surprises of his stellar career of high profile cases. I'm a musician, not a lawyer (though I know some of the people Tigar mentions), and was never at a loss due to technical language left unexplained. A great book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1941-    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Defense (Criminal procedure)    5. General    6. History    7. Law    8. Lawyers    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. Tigar, Michael E.,    11. United States    12. Law / General    13. Tigar, Michael E   

Features

• Unabridged

Reviews (11)

absolute power . . .
I knew nothing about Hoover before reading this book, but Hack does a comprehensive job in this bio.Hoover is portrayed as a higly intelligent, organized man, who had too much power for his (or the country's) good.
An Unscrupulous Way To Stay In Power
Richard Hack has written a biography that really doesn't tell us anything we didn't already know about J. Edgar Hoover, a strange man who headed the F.B.I. for several decades.Hoover kept files on the skeletons in the closet, both real and imagined, on people whose behavior he wanted to control.Hoover used this blackmail to remain in office throughout the changes in the political climate in Washington.His idea of a good read would be to remain home and sift through the files of various individuals and entertain himself with the perceived weaknesses of others.The man who had files on so many people should have had a file himself.Perhaps it gave him comfort to know others had problems that he had a difficult time facing in himself.He was a glory hunter who wanted the credit to go to him in highly publicized cases such as the cases of John Dillinger and "Baby Face" Nelson.Hoover didn't like the publicity Melvin Purvis got in the Dillinger case, so he had him eventually removed from the F.B.I.Hoover also didn't want to admit to the existence of the mafia.Perhaps he wanted to concentrate on two bit gangsters rather than accept the challenge of organized crime.It's scary to think the F.B.I.had such a strange man at the helm for so many years.The improvements made during his tenure could certainly have been made by someone else during all these years.

Where's the Beef!
Richard Hack's book, "Puppetmaster: The Secret Life of J. Edgar Hoover", is well documented, concise, and well presented, but I had to ask myself "where's the beef".There is simply nothing new in this biography of America's number one policeman. The book is 407 pages long.I read to page 357 and finally had to put it down for keeps - there was simply nothing new in this book to entice me to keep reading. The book is well suited for individuals that have very little to no knowledge of the life of J. Edgar Hoover.
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Subjects:  1. Abridged Audio - Fiction/Suspense Thriller    2. Audio Adult: Books On Tape    3. Audiobooks    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Government executives    7. Historical - U.S.    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Police    10. Political    11. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    12. Specific Groups - General    13. Unabridged Audio - Autobiography/Biography    14. United States   

Subjects:  1. 1889-1963    2. Biography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Lawyers    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. U.S. History - 1920s    7. United States    8. Willebrandt, Mabel Walker,    9. Willebrandt, Mabel Walker   

Reviews (2)

Great Reading
I bought six of his books at a signing because I was familiar with his professional greatness and wanted to share what hedid for our people with some of my friends.I expected the big word, and I expected the drama, but what I didn't expect was the laugh out loud humor.
Drama, humor, poetry from an incredible man!
I have known Judge Bruce Wright for 38 years and the fact that my daughter and I are included in seven pages has not influenced this review. Yet, in this book I discovered many aspects of his life that I did not know.Hehas been a mentor to me, but he is the kind of man I wanted as a father. He has a sharp wit, yet writes tender poetry.Being an entertainmentattorney for many years, he tells wonderful stories of many jazz greats andstories of the people he had to judge.A must read for those interested inthe law, jazz, many wives, poetry served up with a wicked sense of humor,and strong opinions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1918-    2. African American judges    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Black American Sociology    6. Courts    7. Discrimination in criminal justice administration    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. New York    10. New York (State)    11. People of Color    12. Wright, Bruce,    13. Wright, Bruce   

Reviews (5)

They Attack Him
For a decade and a half now, Clarence Thomas has been a proverbial "thorn in the side" of liberalism. They just don't know how to take someone who goes against every fiber of their being. The American system so successfully constructed by liberal lawmakers has simply failed them, therefore, they do the only thing they know how, they attack him. With a tenaciously dogged vengeance, they attack him. A black man is suppose to stay on the plantation and be a good democrat, keeping them in office while waiting for the next handout. A black man in America isn't supposed to pull himself up out of poverty. The Democrat created and nurtured system just isn't designed for such an anomaly. So they attack him. At every venue, with every ruling, and for unfounded reasons other than shear loathing, they attack him.
Welcome to Constitutional Law
Henry Mark Holzer's, The Keeper of the Flame is a fascinating and enlightening examination of Justice Clarence Thomas' brilliant legal mind, his integrity and his strong moral base. Holzer brings to light the incredible purity of one of the nation's best thinkers.He does this by citing the Justice's own words and analyzing those words with the greatest degree of objectivity and clarity. Holzer reveals himself to be a master-scholar of Constitutional Law guiding us through the history of its creation by the Founding Fathers and how it has come to be interpreted by the Supreme Court. He helps us to truly understand the Constitution and its undeniable value to our free society.He takes us through the Bill of Rights so that we know and can appreciate how they apply to our own lives. Professor Holzer is not only a fine scholar-he is a fine writer and a fine teacher. His exceptional skills make this a marvelous educational text, yet a completely easy and enjoyable read.
Essential Supreme CourtAnalysis
Professor Holzer has cleared away the cloud surrounding the jurisprudence of Clarence Thomas.In the ongoing debate between those who adhere to the idea of a "living constitution" and those who seek original meaning and intent, "The Keeper of the Flame" is essential reading for anyone who wants a better understanding of each viewpoint.This book also shines a bright light on the Justice who might be called the stepchild of "conservative" Supreme Court Justices.Preconceived notions and popular public images of Clarence Thomas are swept away with powerful and very readable text supported, always, by the only real authority on Justice Thomas' judicial philosophy, his own words.
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Subjects:  1. Constitutional law    2. Corporate    3. Courts - Supreme Court    4. Judicial opinions    5. Law    6. Lawyers & Judges    7. Legal Reference / Law Profession    8. United States    9. Biography: general   

Reviews (8)

Needs proofreading
Dear Officer Al, ONE OF THE BEST/FUNNIEST BOOKS I HAVE READ IN A LONG TIME
FIRST CHAPTER OR TWO STARTS OFF SLOW, BUT THIS ENDS UP BEING ONE OF THE BEST/FUNNIEST BOOKS I HAVE READ IN A LONG TIME.

A great first book!
Alaska: Behind Blue Eyes captured and held my attention right from the start. When I read about the young man standing on the hill at the edge of town and looking back one last time, I thought of my own travels away fromhome. The excitement and anxieties of the journey to a new home, the timeof adjustment once you have arrived, making new friends...it's all there.Granted, I've never come face to face with a grizzly, but I felt as thoughI was the fisherman on the banks while reading that chapter. I stayed uplate two nights running because I simply could not put the book down!Fascinating characters, wonderful setting, excellent writing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Criminology    3. Lawyers & Judges    4. Social Science    5. Sociology   

Reviews (2)

The Little Guy Wins
"A Million Reasons" describes in often fascinating detail how Alan Labonte, the general manager of a Boston law firm who was fired after he developed multiple scleroris, fought the good fight against his remarkably arrogant employers and, despite the long odds and with the tenacious support of his lawyer, won, even when the case was appealed. It was never a sure thing, and Labonte even turned down a settlement offer of $3 million because he knew that by accepting it he would be agreeing to never speak publicly about his case.When the long court fight was over, he wound up with an award of closer to $2 million, so basically he forfeited $1 million in damages.
A Surprisingly Good Read
This book was recommended by a friend, someone with MS.I found it a surprisingly good read.It had the drama of a "Law and Order" episode and a David vs. Goliath battle.There were clearly good guys and bad guys.The characters were well developed. And I cheered silently when the good guys won. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Boston    6. Discrimination against people with disabilities    7. Employment    8. General    9. Law and legislation    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Legal status, laws, etc.    12. Massachusetts    13. People with disabilities    14. Personal Memoirs    15. Political    16. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (15)

He Should Have Dropped Out
This book is, well, strange. The author is obviously bright, and possesses at least some degree of self-awareness. Despite this, it seems to have taken him three years to figure out what should have been obvious in three weeks: namely, that he had no desire to study law or to become a lawyer. Interesting Point, But Poorly Written
This book has some strong points, but they are outweighed, in my opinion, by the negatives. Inspiring and thought-provoking!
Broken Contract is the chronicle of Richard Kahlenberg's struggle to justify his classical liberal ideals with the harsh reality of law school: most entering law students have a desire to use the privilege of an education in the law to help the poor and downtrodden of society, "but upon graduating, the vast majority [scramble] to fill the ranks of the nation's top corporate law firms" (from the front flap).Through the framework of his struggle with these powerful opposing forces, Kahlenberg presents us with a fascinating look at Harvard Law School, its culture and the nature of the law education of the late 1980s.He paints a portrait of everyday life as a law student, scrambling for Law Review positions, summer internships, judicial clerkships and ultimately, for a job after graduation.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Harvard Law School    4. Historical - U.S.    5. Individual Institutions Of Higher Education    6. Kahlenberg, Richard D    7. Law    8. Law (General)    9. Law students    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Legal Education    12. Massachusetts    13. Biography: general    14. Jurisprudence & General Issues    15. Laws of Other Jurisdictions & General Law    16. USA   

Reviews (1)

Champion of Liberty and the Environment
Few national leaders have shaped present-day America more positively than Justice William O. Douglas. The force of Douglas's ideas has had a profound influence on our world--from the individual liberties that we enjoy to his attitudes about protecting the natural world from human encroachment. At the core of it all is Douglas's idea of the human person. The advantages Americans enjoy over citizens of other nations, particularly totalitarian regimes " . . . are not in material things such as technology and standards of living. They relate to matters of the mind and the spirit . . . Man's moral and spiritual appetite, as well as his political ideals, demanded that he have freedom. Liberty was to be the way of life--inalienable and safe from the intrusions of government."
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Subjects:  1. (William Orville),    2. 1898-    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Douglas, William O    8. Environmental Conservation & Protection - General    9. Environmental Law    10. Essays    11. Historical - U.S.    12. History    13. Judges    14. Lawyers & Judges    15. Natural areas    16. Northwestern States    17. Supreme Court    18. U.S. Supreme Court    19. United States