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American Tragedy: The Uncensored Story of the O.J. Simpson Defense
New York Times Review
"…. the matter of O. J. Simpson remains a defining moment in late 20th-century American history, a kind of morality play like the Dreyfus affair in France roughly 100 years ago, incarnating the most intense passions of the time. That is one reason that ''American Tragedy,'' by Lawrence Schiller and James Willwerth, is not only justified in its sheer copiousness, but also a valuable, gripping and illuminating work.
In the already vast Simpson literature, this book reaches the furthest into the pith of the event, telling on an almost day-to-day basis the way the defense team labored, plotted and squabbled its way toward rescuing Mr. Simpson from what might very likely have been a conviction on charges of murder. And in this sense, ''American Tragedy'' will help us cope with the deeper questions concerning racial morality and justice raised by the Simpson affair.
The authors, in one of their more astonishing passages, show Mr. Simpson's lawyers redecorating his house in preparation for a visit there by the jury. They took away the picture that Mr. Simpson kept near the fireplace in his bedroom showing his white girlfriend of the time in a nude pose; they put a photograph of him and his mother on his bedside table. Then, to give Mr. Simpson's home ''something depicting African-American history,'' aimed at arousing the sympathy of the mostly black jury, they brought in a Norman Rockwell 1963 painting, ''The Problem We All Live With,'' showing a black grade school girl walking to class surrounded by Federal marshals.
If you are going to read only one book on the case of O. J. Simpson, this is a strong candidate to be it."
-- By RICHARD BERNSTEIN, New York Times
"I couldn't stop reading American Tragedy. My old friend and colleague Larry Schiller has come up with a book that is impossible to put down. I haven't turned pages this quickly in years, and the surprise of it for me is that I hated the O.J. Simpson case while it was going on."
- Norman Mailer
From Original Hardcover Sleeve:
Nothing written about the Simpson case can possibly prepare the reader for the revelations in this book: the untold story, from murder to acquittal, written from deep within the Simpson defense by a master reporter. Each turning point in the months-long investigation and trial is recounted in authentic, often startling detail in the words of Simpson's confidants, woven brilliantly into a narrative that will rivet you from beginning to end.
In telling this story, Schiller has created a work that will be read now and for years to come as a classic account of a brilliant if turbulent legal defense, the inside story to end all inside stories of the Trial of the Century.
"…. the matter of O. J. Simpson remains a defining moment in late 20th-century American history, a kind of morality play like the Dreyfus affair in France roughly 100 years ago, incarnating the most intense passions of the time. That is one reason that ''American Tragedy,'' by Lawrence Schiller and James Willwerth, is not only justified in its sheer copiousness, but also a valuable, gripping and illuminating work.
In the already vast Simpson literature, this book reaches the furthest into the pith of the event, telling on an almost day-to-day basis the way the defense team labored, plotted and squabbled its way toward rescuing Mr. Simpson from what might very likely have been a conviction on charges of murder. And in this sense, ''American Tragedy'' will help us cope with the deeper questions concerning racial morality and justice raised by the Simpson affair.
The authors, in one of their more astonishing passages, show Mr. Simpson's lawyers redecorating his house in preparation for a visit there by the jury. They took away the picture that Mr. Simpson kept near the fireplace in his bedroom showing his white girlfriend of the time in a nude pose; they put a photograph of him and his mother on his bedside table. Then, to give Mr. Simpson's home ''something depicting African-American history,'' aimed at arousing the sympathy of the mostly black jury, they brought in a Norman Rockwell 1963 painting, ''The Problem We All Live With,'' showing a black grade school girl walking to class surrounded by Federal marshals.
If you are going to read only one book on the case of O. J. Simpson, this is a strong candidate to be it."
-- By RICHARD BERNSTEIN, New York Times
"I couldn't stop reading American Tragedy. My old friend and colleague Larry Schiller has come up with a book that is impossible to put down. I haven't turned pages this quickly in years, and the surprise of it for me is that I hated the O.J. Simpson case while it was going on."
- Norman Mailer
From Original Hardcover Sleeve:
Nothing written about the Simpson case can possibly prepare the reader for the revelations in this book: the untold story, from murder to acquittal, written from deep within the Simpson defense by a master reporter. Each turning point in the months-long investigation and trial is recounted in authentic, often startling detail in the words of Simpson's confidants, woven brilliantly into a narrative that will rivet you from beginning to end.
In telling this story, Schiller has created a work that will be read now and for years to come as a classic account of a brilliant if turbulent legal defense, the inside story to end all inside stories of the Trial of the Century.
980 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1996
123 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Lawrence Schiller
41 books22 followersThe ubiquitous Lawrence Schiller was born in 1936 in Brooklyn, and grew up in San Diego. After graduating from Pepperdine College, he went to work for Life magazine and the Saturday Evening Post as a photojournalist. His photographic abilities, both technical and artistic, laid the foundation for what has become nothing less than an astonishing career.
Schiller first made his name by photographing popular culture icons such as Sophia Loren, Richard Nixon, Timothy Leary, O.J. Simpson, James Earl Jones, Barbara Streisand, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Joe DiMaggio, and Clint Eastwood, just to name a few.
He moved easily through contrasting public worlds, developing stories for Life magazine while shooting nude photographs for Hugh Heffner and Playboy magazine. Schiller was always at the forefront, and always at the right place at the right time, experiencing historical events and developing relationships that would launch his career onto a path of success in a variety of mediums.
He published his first book, LSD, in 1966. Since then he has published eleven books, including W. Eugene Smith's Minamata and Norman Mailer's Marilyn. He collaborated with Albert Goldman on Ladies and Gentleman, Lenny Bruce and with Norman Mailer on The Executioner's Song and Oswald's Tale. He has directed seven motion pictures and mini-series for television.
From 1996 through 2002, Mr. Schiller published four books that became national bestsellers: American Tragedy, Perfect Murder, Perfect Town, Into the Mirror, and Cape May Court House. All made the New York Times Bestseller List. American Tragedy, Perfect Murder, Perfect Town and Into the Mirror were made into television mini-series for CBS. Mr. Schiller produced and directed each of the motion pictures.
Other motion picture credits are: Double Jeopardy, The Plot to Kill Hitler, The Executioner's Song, Peter the Great, Murder: By Reason of Insanity, Her Life As a Man, The Patricia Neal Story, Child Bride of Short Creek, Marilyn, The Untold Story, The Winds of Kitty Hawk, Hey, I'm Alive, The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald, and The Man Who Skied Down Everest.
Lawrence Schiller's projects have won countless awards, including seven Emmys and an Oscar for his work over the years. He is a consultant to NBC News and has recently written for The New Yorker and George magazines.
Schiller's haunting and beautiful portfolio of photographs of Marilyn Monroe is from the last professional photo session of the sex goddess, while making Something's Got to Give in 1962. She was fired from the movie and was dead two months later. Almost a half a century has passed since May 1962, and still these astonishing, daring, and beautifully crafted photographs—never available as limited editions, until now—continue to captivate and enthrall us.
His collection of images chronicling America in the 1960s is an important document of our time. With daring forthrightness, a decade of turmoil, creativity and entertainment is unrolled before our eyes. Schiller's uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, affords us the privilege of surveying all of this history, captured with succinct and powerful images that have defined and continue to define the national conversation.
Schiller first made his name by photographing popular culture icons such as Sophia Loren, Richard Nixon, Timothy Leary, O.J. Simpson, James Earl Jones, Barbara Streisand, Paul Newman, Robert Redford, John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Joe DiMaggio, and Clint Eastwood, just to name a few.
He moved easily through contrasting public worlds, developing stories for Life magazine while shooting nude photographs for Hugh Heffner and Playboy magazine. Schiller was always at the forefront, and always at the right place at the right time, experiencing historical events and developing relationships that would launch his career onto a path of success in a variety of mediums.
He published his first book, LSD, in 1966. Since then he has published eleven books, including W. Eugene Smith's Minamata and Norman Mailer's Marilyn. He collaborated with Albert Goldman on Ladies and Gentleman, Lenny Bruce and with Norman Mailer on The Executioner's Song and Oswald's Tale. He has directed seven motion pictures and mini-series for television.
From 1996 through 2002, Mr. Schiller published four books that became national bestsellers: American Tragedy, Perfect Murder, Perfect Town, Into the Mirror, and Cape May Court House. All made the New York Times Bestseller List. American Tragedy, Perfect Murder, Perfect Town and Into the Mirror were made into television mini-series for CBS. Mr. Schiller produced and directed each of the motion pictures.
Other motion picture credits are: Double Jeopardy, The Plot to Kill Hitler, The Executioner's Song, Peter the Great, Murder: By Reason of Insanity, Her Life As a Man, The Patricia Neal Story, Child Bride of Short Creek, Marilyn, The Untold Story, The Winds of Kitty Hawk, Hey, I'm Alive, The Trial of Lee Harvey Oswald, and The Man Who Skied Down Everest.
Lawrence Schiller's projects have won countless awards, including seven Emmys and an Oscar for his work over the years. He is a consultant to NBC News and has recently written for The New Yorker and George magazines.
Schiller's haunting and beautiful portfolio of photographs of Marilyn Monroe is from the last professional photo session of the sex goddess, while making Something's Got to Give in 1962. She was fired from the movie and was dead two months later. Almost a half a century has passed since May 1962, and still these astonishing, daring, and beautifully crafted photographs—never available as limited editions, until now—continue to captivate and enthrall us.
His collection of images chronicling America in the 1960s is an important document of our time. With daring forthrightness, a decade of turmoil, creativity and entertainment is unrolled before our eyes. Schiller's uncanny ability to be in the right place at the right time, affords us the privilege of surveying all of this history, captured with succinct and powerful images that have defined and continue to define the national conversation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
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March 24, 2017I know it took me forever to read this, but I've been playing an obscene amount of Legend of Zelda. Honestly, of all the O.J. books I've read (and there's been a lot) this was one of the best. Despite being *ahem* HEAVILY biased towards the defense, the culmination of the courtroom drama read like a novel. Schiller represented Darden's and Clark's closing arguments more faithfully and more poetically than they did in their own respective memoirs. The defense strategy, while egregious and unethical, caused me to question my own limits of of reasonable doubt and my convictions of Simpsons guilt. Don't worry, I immediately started "Outrage" after finishing. The bastard did it.
December 10, 2012
I thought it was a decent book, but by far not the best book written on this subject. It was very tedious and long with a lot of characters' names to remember. Although I still believe OJ to be guilty, I now have doubts about Mark Furhman planting evidence. Based on his perjury, I would have to had vote to acquit, which I never thought I would.
July 28, 2024
2.5 stars. In many ways, this is a very interesting book. I liked that it profiled lesser-known members of the defense team (like Shawn Chapman and Carl Douglas), and it has some really good material on their work on the case and on the ego clashes and divisions that cropped up between some very big personalities and egos. But ultimately, I found the tone of it off-putting. It dances around OJ's guilt and seems to try to have it both ways. At times, it strenuously argues on his behalf and seems to endorse the defense's arguments while other times it inches away from him and the defense team while also acknowledging some of their private doubts about his guilt. It also has a very 90s attitude toward domestic violence that seems incredibly dated and offensive now, though it does unwittingly give good insight into how the subject was regarded then and how that affected the trial.
July 22, 2017
OJ Simpson.....after reading this book, I feel even more sorry for any women in his life. This book is very biased and slanted in its views and analysis, but it is very thorough. It does bring up some interesting points, but for me.....I think he had something to do with it, he had to have, or there would not have been such a chase, and such a random ridiculous verdict. If you enjoy true crime or interested in this case, this book is definitely one to read.
April 27, 2012
A great 'inside' look inside OJ's defense team. It was fascinating learning about all the internal strife and stories that went on between Cochran and Shapiro and F. Lee Bailey. You wondered why and how certain situations played out as they did and Schiller answers just about all of those questions.
November 23, 2008
If you are going to read one book about the Simpson trial, this is the one.
November 10, 2015
Study of the O>j> case. Among other things Schiller exaimnes Ojs choosing of the "Dream Team" and their strengths they brought to the case.....
January 10, 2020
Details of the OJ trial from the inside. One of the first books published. Exposes the corruption of the police and prosecutors that resulted in the verdict. Barry Scheck is the unsung hero of the book. IMO! As he was able to clearly show the jury how the blood evidence was contaminated.
July 5, 2019
Here’s what I think is the most fascinating insight on OJ from this book:
“Alone in the taxicab riding back to his hotel after his final visit, [forensic psychologist and defense expert Dr. Bernard] Yudowitz concluded that Simpson fit none of the profiles - with one possible exception. Fewer than 1 percent of murderers are psychologically classified as atypical. In these cases, circumstances trigger an out-of-character response in a normal person. The tragedy happens in a flash. Until the actual moment, the killer assumes himself incapable of murder. Ever. Then, for reasons the murderer himself never understands, he kills.
“Once the victim is dead, the situation is so horrifying to the killer, so inconsistent with his entire personality and history, that he refuses - unconsciously - to admit it occurred.
“The killer enters a deep state of denial. In reality he has done something antithetical to his personality and his values. This could not happen, says the unconscious. Ergo, it did not happen.
“Yudowitz was convinced that Simpson was no murderer, at least psychologically. But the slender possibility that Simpson was atypical troubled him. He knew that these killers are so horrified by their act that they meticulously clean up evidence of the crime. Quite unconsciously, they scrub away blood, clean their fingernails, shampoo their hair. They do everything possible to remove evidence from their person. ‘Why is this on my hands? How could - this isn’t - let’s get rid of it.’ They want nothing around to trigger memories of what they have done. Not because they are trying to evade the police; such consequences never enter their minds. They simply cannot bear any reminder of the evil they believe they could not possibly have committed.“
I say “fascinating”because of how OJ describes the murder in his “hypothetical” confession in his book If I Did It: he goes to Nicole’s to raise hell but Goldman’s sudden appearance sends him into a rage so violent that he blacks out during the actual murders.
“Alone in the taxicab riding back to his hotel after his final visit, [forensic psychologist and defense expert Dr. Bernard] Yudowitz concluded that Simpson fit none of the profiles - with one possible exception. Fewer than 1 percent of murderers are psychologically classified as atypical. In these cases, circumstances trigger an out-of-character response in a normal person. The tragedy happens in a flash. Until the actual moment, the killer assumes himself incapable of murder. Ever. Then, for reasons the murderer himself never understands, he kills.
“Once the victim is dead, the situation is so horrifying to the killer, so inconsistent with his entire personality and history, that he refuses - unconsciously - to admit it occurred.
“The killer enters a deep state of denial. In reality he has done something antithetical to his personality and his values. This could not happen, says the unconscious. Ergo, it did not happen.
“Yudowitz was convinced that Simpson was no murderer, at least psychologically. But the slender possibility that Simpson was atypical troubled him. He knew that these killers are so horrified by their act that they meticulously clean up evidence of the crime. Quite unconsciously, they scrub away blood, clean their fingernails, shampoo their hair. They do everything possible to remove evidence from their person. ‘Why is this on my hands? How could - this isn’t - let’s get rid of it.’ They want nothing around to trigger memories of what they have done. Not because they are trying to evade the police; such consequences never enter their minds. They simply cannot bear any reminder of the evil they believe they could not possibly have committed.“
I say “fascinating”because of how OJ describes the murder in his “hypothetical” confession in his book If I Did It: he goes to Nicole’s to raise hell but Goldman’s sudden appearance sends him into a rage so violent that he blacks out during the actual murders.
February 7, 2016
I'll start my review by explaining that I was 12-13 while this trial was going on. I remember it happening, but I couldn't tell you anything about the details except that there were bloody gloves and a slow speed bronco chase involved. I decided to read a few books about the case, and this is the first I chose.
I think the book is pretty well written, although incredibly biased toward the defense. There was some weird formatting, but that may have just been something that didn't transfer properly to kindle format. With so many lawyers and witnesses involved, it did get confusing at times. I often had to take a moment when the author discussed "Lee" and figure out if he meant Dr. Lee or F. Lee Bailey, as both were referred to in that way.
As far as the actual content and viewpoint of the book, I'm going to have to hold back on real judgement until I read more about the case from different perspectives.
I think the book is pretty well written, although incredibly biased toward the defense. There was some weird formatting, but that may have just been something that didn't transfer properly to kindle format. With so many lawyers and witnesses involved, it did get confusing at times. I often had to take a moment when the author discussed "Lee" and figure out if he meant Dr. Lee or F. Lee Bailey, as both were referred to in that way.
As far as the actual content and viewpoint of the book, I'm going to have to hold back on real judgement until I read more about the case from different perspectives.
October 21, 2015
Too much detail, especially on the blood evidence and racist emphasis in the OJ trial. I'm still unsure if the author had an opinion on the verdict. The focus on Fuhrman's racism and the supposed missteps of the investigation and evidence gathering puts a bad light on the whole murder trial and its outcome. Not a good read and I admit that I did a lot of speed reading to skip over the boring parts. Everyone has an opinion as the guilt of OJ but I for one feel that he got away with murder. The defense attorneys, and there were a lot of them, did everything they could to make this a racist event and in doing so they helped a murderer go free. My sympathies are with Robert Kardashian who I feel was used by Simpson. His life, family and health must have been greatly affected by this.
November 29, 2012
This was an exhaustive look at the defense team and case of OJ Simpson. While I don't want to opine about the verdict or his innocence or guilt, I will say this book did what I needed which was present the evidence gathered and the strategy employed in a fairly unbiased way. The author had a role to play with Simpson and certainly benefitted from his relationship with the team, but unless he left out whole pieces of the narrative, he drew a fairly journalistic picture. This case was not a cut and dry win either way, and the author leaves open the door that even the defense attorneys didnt know what to believe. A really interesting look at a definitive moment in our history.
January 4, 2016
Yes, I"m reading this now. It seems to keep me enthralled.. Interesting study of lawyers ..or at least.. famous lawyers. It's a huge book. Over 600 pages.. I'm heading toward page 200.
Update- I didn't read all of this book. I grew weary of the lawyers and the bickering.. got to page 300 and something.. and put it away. It's in the donate bag! This is the same thing I did with the Marcia Clark book. I think I"m done with reading about the case... I think.
Since I spent so much time reading it, well into 300 plus pages, I am going to list it as read. Skimmed some toward the end. A bit of "cheating" , or ..being lax.. or liberal..or.. something..
Update- I didn't read all of this book. I grew weary of the lawyers and the bickering.. got to page 300 and something.. and put it away. It's in the donate bag! This is the same thing I did with the Marcia Clark book. I think I"m done with reading about the case... I think.
Since I spent so much time reading it, well into 300 plus pages, I am going to list it as read. Skimmed some toward the end. A bit of "cheating" , or ..being lax.. or liberal..or.. something..
December 23, 2018
This is about the 10th book I have read regarding the OJ Simpson trial and this book further solidifies my belief that OJ is guilty as hell. Amazing to think that not only did a few of OJs lawyers believe he was guilty but so did some of his very close friends, yet he walks a free man. This book outlines the strategy taken by the defense team to undermine the mountain of evidence that was logged against OJ. This book shows that lies, deceit and manipulation unfortunately works in our justice system.
August 15, 2011
I couldn't put this book down. Schiller's style of comprehensively synthesizing the experiences of all of the members of Simpson's defense team is compelling. I particularly enjoyed the insight he provided, which I had not read elsewhere - and that's saying a lot, because I've read several books on this topic. A must-read for those interested in the OJ trial, and for those who are interested in practicing law.
March 25, 2016
My first insight into the OJ trial. It is VERY long and sometimes difficult to follow as there are so many characters and the authors are not consistent when naming them, sometimes using Christian names, sometimes surnames. Having said that, I felt compelled to keep reading and enjoyed feeling like I got to know the main characters very well.
January 5, 2018
..I am glad I read this book!
Excellent , well written. I found myself changing my things all thru the book. Without any doubt , I am now convinced he did indeed murder Nicole and Goldman
I have experienced the mindset of a jealous man, and was married to a very similar individual who was as sick as O.J.
Excellent , well written. I found myself changing my things all thru the book. Without any doubt , I am now convinced he did indeed murder Nicole and Goldman
I have experienced the mindset of a jealous man, and was married to a very similar individual who was as sick as O.J.
January 6, 2011
The book shows that police was very careless and sloppy in this case adding fuel to the fire by racial insults towards Afroamericans. O.J. Simpson could kill his ex-wife and her friend, but no sure evidence was found. So juries said not guilty.
June 20, 2014
With the 20 year anniversary of this crime here I stumbled onto this book. It was a very interesting read and took me right back to watching the trial. I have less respect for the defense team then I even had before, what a joke of a trial this was.
February 9, 2016
Captivating
It was my first encounter with OJ Simpsons trial. I enjoyed the defense 's perspective it was written on as I'm a lawyer myself though in my country we don't follow the common law system. I will surely read more about it.
It was my first encounter with OJ Simpsons trial. I enjoyed the defense 's perspective it was written on as I'm a lawyer myself though in my country we don't follow the common law system. I will surely read more about it.
July 26, 2009
The LAPD was careless, sloppy and mishandled evidence. By their actions prior to the trial, they made it very difficult to establsh the truth. Jury still out on this one!!
July 4, 2016
OJ has reaped what he has sown...... rot in that cell.
July 20, 2010
The most complete book I've seen on this subject, done with a lot of help from Robert Kardashian.
January 31, 2011
Don't know why I bothered, tedious. I knew the story and the ending!
July 6, 2016
Great detail, interesting perspective compared to many other books on subj, makes one wonder about "certainty" of verdict; take away a great distrust of legal profession;
May 1, 2018
3,5 stars
July 21, 2018
Waaaay too long.
May 2, 2019
Step by step guide on how the defense helped Simpson get away with murder.
September 3, 2019
Riveting
December 31, 2020
Quite a book to read and look back 25-26 years and see how the defence worked. Simpson is guilty however.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews