Reviews (3)

Not a work of scholarship
I hope this was not intended to be a serious historical analysis of the life of John Jay.The writing is high school level, at best. The book abounds in typographical or factual errors: "Louis IV revoked the Treaty of Nantes ...", for example.I have no doubt Mr. Webster, about whom there is no biographical information, is a sincere evangelical Christian.John Jay was also a sincere Christian, but he was an Anglican.Indeed, he was one of the founders of the Episcopal Church on the national level in this country, a fact ignored by Webster.I don't think the Jays would have been comfortable with Webster's description of their marriage: "Sally and John went through thestorms of life as a great team because they had that deep faith in Jesus Christ.When things came up in their lives that was [sic] too difficult for them to bear, they had someone to turn to: Jesus Christ.Jesus was their peace, their rock, their fortress."Jay was a Trinitarian, one of the few of the leading "founding fathers" of our country that we know absolutely was a Trinitarian, but he used 18th Century terms like Almighty and Maker to describe God, not the familiar "Jesus" of Webster's 20th Century evangelicalism.
A book for the serious student of US Judicial history
A book for the serious student with indepth research amd scholarship, Phil Webster has succeeded in doing what many have not, unearthingthe faith,brillance and strong moral character which helped John Jay tonot only endure so many personal tragedies, butaccomplish so much for our nation in it's very early years that we as a nation owe him a great amount of gratitude. As laided out masterfully, Phil Webster shows how John Jay was fearless and willing to do what was right.Thisa bookbelongs on the shelves of colleges and universities for those students doing serious indepth research papers on US judicial history

Just a polemic, and a badly written one, at that.
This is neither a biography of jay, nor a history of his times, but a polemic intended to show that, because John Jay was a Christian, the Founders could not have believed in separation of church and state.As you might expect of one who holds such a thesis, the author writes at about a sixth-grade level.Actually, it reads a lot like "1066 and All That," but this author is deadly serious, and deadly dull.I didn't get very far into the book before deciding to return it, and I would give it zero stars if that were possible. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Historical - U.S.    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Political    7. Biography: general    8. Legal profession    9. Political leaders & leadership   

Reviews (2)

Advocacy and History
This book should be required reading for two sets of readers:All trial lawyers facing monstrous odds and all readers interested in the history of the United States from about 1956 to the present.The first time I read this book (five years ago, while in law school) I picked up very specific lessons regarding the practice of criminal defense law.The second time through (2002), I picked up very specific historical lessons about turbulent times in our nation's history (civil rights litigation in the 1960s, the counter-culture of the late 1960s, and the American Indian Movement). Totally Inspiring.
I have read many autobiographies of lawyers and am a collector of books relating to real life court drama. Mr. Kunstler's (affectionally also known as Bill)autobiography is one of the best I've read. As a lawyer myself, Itruly felt inspired by his actions in court. I can only wish in my lifetimeas an advocate that I can be at least half of a court room lawyer he was. Ihighly recommend this book to all advocates and aspiring trial lawyers.This book is as good as Louis Nizer's "My Life In Court". ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Lawyers    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Radicals    7. United States    8. Kunstler, William Moses   

Editorial Review

Leonard Garment, a current mainstay of the unelected elite who all but run Washington, was a close friend and adviser to Richard Nixon for 30 years. Indeed, at the height of Watergate, he was Nixon's lawyer. The part of this book that covers those White House years is elevated above the norm by Garment's honest, human presence--after all, this is the guy who advised Nixon not to destroy the Oval Office tapes. His humanity comes to the fore in the parts that cover his non-Watergate political forays, his pre-law career as a professional jazz musician, and his personal psychological difficulties. Yet, in his account of his life as a Washington fixer, the mark of Milhous is still visible. When he describes being the lawyer for a Reagan administration official who routinely taped phone calls without the knowledge of those on the other end of the line, Garment pooh-poohs the laws banning this practice and is a little too gleeful about the course of action he had his client take: destroying the tapes. ... 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

Subjects:  1. (Richard Milhous),    2. 1913-    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Garment, Leonard    8. Historical - General    9. Historical - U.S.    10. Lawyers    11. Lawyers & Judges    12. Nixon, Richard M    13. Personal narratives    14. Political    15. United States    16. Watergate Affair, 1972-1974    17. Friends and associates    18. History    19. Biography/Memoir   

Subjects:  1. 1815-1861    2. 1861-1865    3. 19th century    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. History    6. History: American    7. Lawyers & Judges    8. Missouri    9. Political History    10. Political aspects    11. Politics and government    12. Reconstruction (U.S. history, 1865-1877)    13. Slavery    14. United States    15. United States - 19th Century    16. United States - Civil War    17. American history: c 1800 to c 1900    18. Biography: historical   

Reviews (4)

A painful, poor read - a better editor would have helped
I knew the author through much of his teenage years and early adult life.Roger Tuller was the fat kid you pushed down on the way to lunch.The effect of this lowliness on the pecking order was a very bruised ego.I still remember him telling me, "I'm going to become a teacher AND I'M GONNA BE TOUGH.If they don't know their material in detail I'll fail them."It seems he was good to his word.It's a shame because verbally, Mr. Tuller can make old-west history shine and come alive.His story telling was a joy when we used to drink cheap beer and he's tell me of his vacations to Tombstone and points West.But now there is this technical field manual of a biography.The sentence structure of this book is indeed dry, parched and must be what it felt like to travel "cover to cover" through Death Valley in the old days.You find yourself skipping over words and punctuation just to get to the end of the bloody sentence.Recommended for those with sleeping disorders.

dryoh so dry
required reading for those heading into Native American vs. US Government studies.Have a can of Red Bull though!

Not Just a Hanging Judge
A gutsy, three-dimensional view of the Judge.Tuller's passion for the subject is evident throughout. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1838-1896    2. Arkansas    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Criminal Justice Administration    8. Criminal justice, Administration of    9. History    10. Judges    11. Judicial Process    12. Lawyers & Judges    13. Oklahoma    14. Parker, Isaac Charles,    15. United States - 19th Century    16. Parker, Isaac Charles   

Reviews (1)

slovos book
excelent book all about slovos fights with apartheit. the only whiteleader of the a.n.c A FIGHTER TO THE END. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. African National Congress    2. Apartheid    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Civil rights workers    7. Communists    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Political    10. Political Discontent And Violence    11. Political activists    12. Slovo, Joe    13. South Africa    14. 20th century    15. African history: postwar, from c 1945 -    16. Biography: historical    17. Demonstrations & protest movements    18. Political Science / General    19. Republic of South Africa   

Reviews (1)

The best book ever on this topic!
Fascinating, compelling, thought-provoking ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. History    3. Judges    4. Justice, Administration of    5. Law    6. Lawyers & Judges    7. Legal History    8. Legal Reference / Law Profession    9. Southern States    10. Trial Practice    11. U.S. Local History - Southern States    12. United States - 19th Century    13. United States - State & Local - General    14. Civil law (general works)    15. Jurisprudence & General Issues    16. USA    17. c 1700 to c 1800    18. c 1800 to c 1900   

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

Subjects:  1. 1833-1911    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. General    7. Harlan, John Marshall,    8. Judges    9. Judges' spouses    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Personal Memoirs    12. United States    13. Women    14. Biography & Autobiography / Historical   

Reviews (4)

historical events, famous people and gripping stories . . .
"Wow! Bill Carter's life can only be described as a giant thrill ride and one which everyone should accompany him on. Not only will you be held hostage by the historical events, famous people and gripping stories in this book, but you will be reading a roadmap to high achievement in your own life. Get Carter. Get Reading."

Get Carter
What a life! Just when you think his life couldn't get anymore interesting you turn the page and presto, it's more interesting. Great life and great book.

"Shedding light on some of the most intruiging events of the twentieth century"
"Shedding light on some of the most intruiging events of the twentieth century, Bill Carter delivers delicious tales of someone privileged to have a rare view in one of the front seats of our world. Bill rode the events of history and tells you about them in his unique and entertaining way.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography/Autobiography    3. Historical - U.S.    4. History - General History    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Personal Memoirs   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. Lawyers & Judges    3. Biography: general   

Reviews (2)

How to destroy segregation
Fred Gray knew how. Mr. Gray defended some of the movements biggest names, you should read some of the things he accomplished.Mr Gray did make every effort to destroy seregation where ever he found it. And he was good at it.
The real McCoy
Fred Gray isn't just a Civil Rights Lawyer, he's THE Civil Rights lawyer. This man represented Rosa Parks in the Bus Boycott, MLK Jr in the Selma March, the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, and desegregation lawsuits for Alabama public schools. In a world where the word 'lawyer' holds a negative connotation, Fred Gray's story is about what a lawyer ought to be doing. This isn't the movie of the week, it's the real thing by the man who did it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Lawyers & Judges    5. People of Color    6. Regional Subjects - South    7. United States - 20th Century   

Reviews (7)

Insightful, but limited in views on civil liberties
I had one primary motivation for reading an arguably dated book: with the addition of Roberts and Alito to the Court, the Court will certainly transform itself from being the most effective institution, besides our military, in protecting the reserved rights of "We the People" to a court that will most certainly expand government power as the Conservatives on the court gain control.J. Thomas, who has written many a provocative dissent, will now become a prolific writer of opinions that will grant the government sweeping powers as our individual rights are stripped away.I wanted to better understand what to expect out of Thomas as his opinions now become binding law.
An intriguing examination of Justice Thomas with some flaws
I applaud Gerber for avoiding yet another partisan attack upon (or defense of) Justice Thomas. Too often scholars, or politicians, respond to justices, and Thomas in particular, with partisan attack divorced from any real consideration of the substance of the justice's view. Gerber looks at Thomas's opinions in cases from three areas: civil rights, civil liberties, and federalism.
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 ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1948-    2. Biography    3. Courts - Supreme Court    4. Judges    5. Jurisprudence    6. Law    7. Law and politics    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. Legal History    10. Legal Reference / Law Profession    11. Political aspects    12. Political questions and judici    13. Political questions and judicial power    14. Thomas, Clarence,    15. U.S. Supreme Court    16. United States    17. Biography: general    18. Civil law (general works)    19. Jurisprudence & philosophy of law    20. Law / Jurisprudence    21. THOMAS, CLARENCE, 1948-    22. Thomas, Clarence    23. UNITED STATES_SUPREME COURT    24. USA   

Reviews (9)

utter bunk
Norman Finkelstein conclusively demonstrates that Dershowitz is a plagiarizer and that his claims about Israel's "superb" human rights record are complete bunk. All reputable human rights organizations support Finkelstein's arguments and not Dershowitz's. Dershowitz's book merits a minus 10, but the lowest grade one can give it is one star. The fact that one can find copies of this book for sale for 1 cent indicate its scholarly and moral usefulness. Dershowitz is now involved in a concerted campaign to have Finkelstein shut down, pressuring Harvard Bookstore and the Barnes and Noble bookstore at DePaul University in Chicago to cancel speaking engagements by Finkelstein. Harvard cancelled its invitation for fear of "economic retaliation," Barnes and Noble said the book was "too controversial," and invited Dershowitz to speak about his "book" instead.

An interesting discussion of Jews in the world today
Plenty of Jews exhibit chutzpah (nerve).But there is a flip side to this, the fear of "shanda fur de goyim" (embarrassment in front of the gentiles).
A very long "rant"
I was initially engrossed while reading about the history of the Dershowitz family and their lives in Brooklyn.As the book progressed, it was more like a very long "rant" about anti-Semitism, and the miserable plight of American Jews.As an American Jew living in the rural western US, I cannot relate to the discrimination described and felt by the author. As with any religion outside the mainstream of the popular culture, Jews will always be considered as "different".We set ourselves apart from others by our values, moral beliefs, and our observances. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Dershowitz, Alan M    6. Ethnic Cultures - General    7. Jews    8. Lawyers    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. People of Color    11. Politics and government    12. Specific Groups - General    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Lawyers & Judges    15. Biography & Autobiography-Ethnic Cultures - General    16. Biography & Autobiography-Specific Groups - General    17. Biography: general    18. Fiction / General    19. Jewish studies    20. USA   

Subjects:  1. Biography / Autobiography    2. General    3. Lawyers & Judges   

Editorial Review

The day-to-day reality of life as a police officer comes through with unglamorous clarity in this scrupulously honest memoir. Yes, the author recounts some exciting stories of cases cracked and perpetrators nailed. But in recounting three relatives' careers in the New York City Police Department, Brian McDonald spends considerable time delineating personal relationships (particularly with their strong-minded wives) and their progress (or lack of it) within a bureaucracy as hidebound as any other branch of the civil service. McDonald's grandfather refused to participate in Tammany Hall corruption, and as punishment was constantly reassigned for the next 14 years; his father burned out as commander of the toughest precinct in the South Bronx. And his brother's troubled trajectory reflected the turbulent atmosphere of the post-Knapp Commission department, held in low repute by law-abiding citizens as it grappled with an increasingly brazen criminal population. The author is candid about his ambivalent feelings toward his tight-lipped father and the ethos that sees a world "made up of only two camps--cops and bad guys," but grateful for Dad's gift of an Underwood typewriter, which led him to journalism. McDonald's gift in return is a book that portrays policemen neither as heroes nor villains, but as recognizable human beings. Read more

Reviews (19)

Another cop's son
I read this book in one day.Brian hits all the points.I hadn't remembered the experience of sneaking into my dad's top dresser draw to lift his gun and being surprise by its weight, until I read the book's opening.My great great grandfather became a NYC Central Park cop upon arrival from Ireland in 1865.Since then, we always had at least one cop in the family until my father's death on St. Patrick's Day 1997.
Outstanding Glimpse into a Police Family
Totally engrossing and well-written,My Father's Gun provides an excellent glimpse into a family that has served in the NYPD for three generations. It documents not just the lives ofcops at work but also the often difficult and stressful home lives of their families. An excellent book for anyone considering a career in law enforcement and for anyone who appreciates good writing. Highly recommended

Moving
I came to appreciate the difficulties of being an honest and good NYPD cop.Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. Lawyers & Judges    6. Political Freedom & Security - Law Enforcement    7. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs    8. Biography: general   

Editorial Review

Pablo Picasso once said, "There are only two types of women--goddesses and doormats." The ever-sassy Star Jones, watched by millions as cohost of Read more

Reviews (22)

Very True
I read this book before Star was popular I don't recall The View even being on the air or at least I wasn't watching it. But as an aspiring attorney I was compelled to read this book. I enjoyed it greatly; I understand why she was such a successful lawyer. In a day and age where "anything goes." The title of this book is excellent. It's a good read and gives you great insight into her life, before the glitz and glam. Great read and inspiration to someone that wants to "be somebody."

What Does She Stand For, Anyway?
The first two chapters were extremely boring. She talks about a white lady who wants her black friend buried in the white cemetery.The lady stands for something, Star says. She also talks about her mom, who got pregnant with Star, then dumped her off on a crew of some very obliging relatives in North Carolina while she finished college at Rutgers University. Once graduated, and having obtained a "good" job she reclaims 6 year old Star and they live in the projects along with Star's new baby sister (who had not been dumped off on relatives). While living in the projects, little kids run back and forth across the street to the store, unsupervised. When Star is eight years old, she sees a little boy hit by a truck and killed. She's proud when her mom is arrested at a sit-in on the street to protest the lack of a light signal. Later, her mom marries and Star says that at first, her mom and her husband both have "low-paying" jobs. What happened to the "good" job? And if it's such a good job, why are they living in the projects?
Pointless
Itis unclear whatandwhytheauthor writes. Sheobviouslyhasnothing of importance orsubstance toimpart, and her personality is uninterestingby all standards. Mostpeople overcome strongeradversities in lifeandthey do it withinfinite moregrace. Why the authorfeelsher life is moreremarkable than others is really mind-boggling. Readingthis book is awaste of time and buying it is awaste ofmoney. There isreally no message in this book and theauthor, despiteher much self-praised legal training, failsto buildany minimal argument on any of her potluck of topics.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Afro-American lawyers    2. Afro-American television journalists    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Television Personalities    8. Lawyers & Judges    9. People of Color    10. Television journalists    11. United States    12. Women    13. Biography & Autobiography / Women    14. Biography: film, television & music    15. USA   

Reviews (1)

The definitive Satchmo biography
Collier did a great job! His historiography is as brilliant as ever. It seems to me that the mainstream of Jazz so-called "scholars" don't like Collier because he's got no race bias and because of his impartiality. Actually, Mr. Collier is the best American writer on the subject, as he knows musical theory and is also a fine researcher. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1901-1971    2. Armstrong, Louis,    3. Biography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Composers & Musicians - Jazz    7. Genres & Styles - Jazz    8. Jazz music    9. Jazz musicians    10. Lawyers & Judges    11. Letters    12. Literary Collections    13. Literature: Classics    14. United States    15. Music    16. Music / Jazz    17. Music | Popular Music | Jazz   

Reviews (2)

a political whitewash
I was more than a little disapointed in this far less than candid politicaql biography. One sided vauge and looking at the political world of New Mexico with very partisan Rose colered glasses is just the bgegining of my complaints about this dull manuscript. King saves much of his venmon for liberal Republican former Gov. David Cargo. He white wases his problems with corrupt Democrat Governors Jerry Apodaca and Toney Anaya. He has no recolecxtion abou the stolen election of 1978 when he and Bill Richardson ordered the cotter pins cut on voting machines in the North East heights of Albuquerque and the paper ballots detained at the state fair grounds. He does not pretend that Joe Skeen was his "friend".He does not mention the 1980 debackle of trying to get his less than compentat nephew David King anoointed to the seat of the late Harold Runnels in Congress.He was the bigggeswt supporter of the patron system and clains he was aginst it.He was an obsticle to progress and quarrlled with the conservative coalition during his secound term and a imcompentat joke during his 3rd and last term.A bad bio from a miserable Governor only for his fellow partisan Democrats.

A New Mexico Classic
This book is a wonderful historical record of New Mexico politics in the 20th Century. Filled with insightful anecdotes and provoking commentary.Bruce King is a very important figure in N.M. It's scary to think that healmost didn't write this book. I highly recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1924-    2. 1951-    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Governors    8. King, Bruce,    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. New Mexico    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Political    13. Politics and government    14. King, Bruce    15. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (3)

Wake up
This is the story of how practice of the law has been corrupted over time. Judge Molloy's colorful anecdotes kept me entertained and at other times I felt outraged at how our justice system has been perverted to serve the interests of lawyers instead of serving the interests of the public. This book is very readable and informative. I highly recommend it.

The most important book in years
The Fraternity is the most important book in years. As a former corporate executive, then business owner/CEO, I so appreciate reading the disturbing trend Judge Molloy details in the legal profession has increasingly threatened the economic health of our country. He accurately chronicles precedent setting case after case of this alarming devolution. All this deterioration has been to complicate and thereby fatten the pockets of trial lawyers in collusion with our judges.
Not an enjoyable book.
Between the narcissistic writing and the anticipated cynical and pretentious nature of the profession, I could barely finish the text. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1917-    2. 20th century    3. Arizona    4. Biography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. History    7. Judges    8. Law    9. Law Systems    10. Lawyers    11. Lawyers & Judges    12. Legal History    13. Legal Profession    14. Legal System    15. Molloy, John Fitzgerald,    16. Practice of law    17. Tucson    18. United States   

Reviews (4)

Blue Trust Paperback
The book was in great condition, but I find the shipping that and I paid and what was used to be out of line. Other than that the transaction went very smoothly

Grim Satisfaction
The Blue Trust chronicles the rise and fall of two highly ambitious people, Bruce and Lynne Verchere. For those of us who worked at Manac Systems in the mid-eighties there is some grim sense of satisfaction withrespect to the destiny of Lynne Verchere. The author avoids the darker sideof Vercheres personality, but for those of us who knew her, any sense ofpity that the story elicits is mitigated by the reality of having dealtwith her on a day to day basis. Lynne Verchere was not a victim. The finaltragedy of Bruce Verchere is a metaphor for the gaping hole in her ownpsyche. Notwithstanding the mess he had made of his life, Bruce Verchereslast desperate act was undoubtedly triggered by her final"victory" over him.

Ramble, Ramble
Interesting because it's a true story, and for Canadians some recognizable names, but oh does it ramble.This story could have and should have been told in 100 pages not 373. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1936-1993    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Canada    7. Fraud    8. Historical - General    9. Lawyers & Judges    10. Literary    11. Tax lawyers    12. Verchere, Bruce,    13. Biography: general    14. Verchere, Bruce