This volume presents a selection of 500 letters by Clarence Darrow, the pre-eminent courtroom lawyer of the late nineteenth and early twentieth century. Randall Tietjen selected these letters from over 2,200 letters in archives around the country, as well as from one remarkable find—the kind of thing historians dream about: a cache of about 330 letters by Darrow hidden away in the basement of Darrow’s granddaughter’s house. This collection provides the first scholarly edition of Darrow’s letters, expertly annotated and including a large amount of previously unknown material and hard-to-locate letters. Because Darrow was a gifted writer and led a fascinating life, the letters are a delight to read. This volume also presents a major introduction by the editor, along with a chronology of Darrow’s life, and brief biographical sketches of the important individuals who appear in the letters.
In the Clutches of the Law Clarence Darrow's Letters
About the Book
Reviews
"Twenty years in the making, In the Clutches of the Law will remain the best reference work and biographical portrait of Darrow for another 20 years and more."—Marion Elizabeth Rodgers The Washington Times“Clarence Darrow was an American original: at once idealistic and pragmatic, a hopeful reformer and a hopeless determinist; revered and reviled. In this first-ever comprehensive compilation of Darrow’s wide-ranging personal correspondence, we learn the private side of America’s most celebrated lawyer. This remarkable collection will deepen our understanding of a near-legendary figure.”—Edward J. Larson, Pulitzer Prize winning author of Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion
"This is one of the three best books on Clarence Darrow ever published. It stands with the Arthur Weinberg collection of Darrow’s courtroom speeches and Darrow’s autobiography. Tietjen has not only collected letters that provide insight into Darrow’s life and character; he has provided commentary and narrative context that make this book a joy to read.”—Michael E. Tigar, lawyer, Emeritus Professor of Law, Washington College of Law and Duke University
"As this exceptional collection of newly discovered letters shows so well, Clarence Darrow fought for free speech and civil liberties when few other lawyers dared raise their voices. Randall Tietjen combines impeccable scholarship, legal expertise and a passion for his subject. The result is an informative, entertaining book that shows Darrow in all of his dimensions. A major, stunning resource."—Marion Elizabeth Rodgers, author of Mencken: The American Iconoclast
Table of Contents
List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
Chronology of Darrow’s Life
Letters
Before 1890
1890–1894
1895–1899
1900–1904
1905–1909
1910–1914
1915–1919
1920–1924
1925–1929
1930–1934
After 1934
Biographical Register
Index
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