Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense: The Courtroom Battle to Save His Legacy

by David Fisher, Dan Abrams

Coming soon! Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense: The Courtroom Battle to Save His Legacy by Dan Abrams and David Fisher will be available May 21, 2019.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, American History, Politics, Presidents, Audiobook

326 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2019

About the author

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Reviews

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was billed as the “The Trial of the Century” in 1915. This is a new book (May 2019) by Dan Abrams telling about the most covered trial in May 1915. The case was William Barnes vs Theodore Roosevelt a libel suit. Of course, Abrams points out this case would not have occurred today with the changes in the libel laws.

The book is well written and researched. I found the battle of words and personalities between Theodore Roosevelt and Barnes’ attorney William M. Ivins exciting. Abrams provides some exciting courtroom drama along with what is different in the laws of then and now. This book discusses issues of political corruption and rich people buying elections that apply today.

I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is twelve hours and four minutes. Roger Wayne does a good job narrating the book. Wayne is an actor and audiobook narrator.

[TXGAL1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Authors Dan Abrams, a graduate of Columbia University Law School, chief legal affairs correspondent for ABC News and founder of Abrams Media, and David Fisher, a New York Times bestselling author and co-author along with Abrams of Lincoln’s Last Trial, have given readers a significant work of political history.

Long before the OJ Simpson “trial of the century”, in the Spring of 1915, Theodore Roosevelt and Republican Party “Boss” William Barnes met in a courtroom in Syracuse, New York to do LEGACY battle. Theodore Roosevelt was the former 26th President of the United States and a larger-than-life public figure who had captured the nation with his lifelong exploits. William Barnes had served as Chairman of both the Republican National Committee and Republican Committee of New York State while preferring to work behind the scenes to affect public policy. Roosevelt would be fighting to defend his political history and standing in world affairs. Barnes would be fighting for his very reputation, personal business and future political ambitions.

Barnes had the audacity to bring suit against charismatic and much-beloved Roosevelt for libel and $50,000 in damages. Roosevelt had written an article which was carried in papers throughout the country criticizing the political system of organized parties with “Bosses” (naming Barnes) and the resulting abuses of influence. These two men had once been political allies. When Roosevelt’s 1912 presidential attempt was prevented by Barnes, the alliance came to an end. The nation was “transfixed” and the Syracuse Herald stated that this trial was “the greatest libel suit in history”.

The trial was to be fought over two issues: justification and mitigation.
JUSTIFICATION—were the charges made by Roosevelt justified and could the charges be proved to be true?
MITIGATION—should the jury find for Barnes, the amount of damages would need to be decided. How much had Barnes been hurt by the newspaper article?

While “exposing the underbelly of...backdoor deal making and profiteering, besides the testimony of Roosevelt other witnesses are a who’s who of New York political leaders and many household names”.

The authors have presented the case to us along with many excerpts from trial testimony and other research. All of this is done in an “edge of your seat”, “can’t wait for what comes next” style which keeps the reader fully engaged until the very last pages.

I learned much about not only this trial and the participants, but great nuggets about different aspects of law and some of its history. THEODORE FOR THE DEFENSE would make a wonderful movie (especially with Tom Selleck as Roosevelt 😁).

This book is definitely recommended to anyone who loves history, loves the law, most definitely anyone who loves a good read.

Thanks to BookClubbish/Hanover Square Press for this Advance Reader’s Edition gift in exchange for an honest review. I honestly give this book 5 ⭐️s.

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Abrams collaborates with David Fisher to re-create yet another great book, exploring a legal matter with an important person of history at the middle. This piece focusses on a libel trial in which former US President Teddy Roosevelt finds himself defending his comments of political corruption against another in the press. As Roosevelt defends his views, he must also try to parse the long-standing friendship with the accuser, in hopes of explaining his views and showing that animosity fuels the charge. The authors deliver a stunning account of events, peppering contextual moments as well, providing the reader all they need to set the record straight. A highly addictive book that reveals much about the man who walked with a large stick to slay his opponents!

In another piece of historical recounting and development of a legal non-fiction thriller, Dan Abrams and David Fisher recount the final battle of Teddy Roosevelt. When charges were levied against the former US president by William Barnes, the world stopped to pay attention. Deemed “the greatest libel suit in history,” the case pitted Roosevelt against the head of the Republican Party. This added not only personal and professional skirmishes, but political flavouring. This adds an angle of cut-throat antics to bring down Roosevelt for his snubbing of the party he led years before.

After freely commenting that William Barnes was politically corrupt, Roosevelt thought that he was spaking truths and adding his own sentiments into the public debate. However, Barnes did not take it as such, feeling that these comments were without foundation and therefore a prima facie case of libel. Tied to the charge was a massive sum for damages, an amount that would have devastated Roosevelt in his waning years. This was no time to stand down and let the press steamroll over him, forcing Roosevelt to defend himself in a court of law and with the media. This book pieces together reports from within the courtroom hearing and accounts made by those who saw and penned their views for the general public.

At a time when 24/7 news cycles were not yet present, the case was heard before a jury of twelve apparent peers, as well as those who read stories in the various published accounts. Newspapers led people through the daily shenanigans and left the court of public opinion to sentence Teddy to whatever they thought best. It was a gripping month and showed not only a man seeking to remove tarnish from his name, but also point to various events that helped shape the accusations that Roosevelt made to fuel this battle. The authors deliver a strong piece and keep the action in the middle of the story, while also injecting historical matters at the time to offset the courtroom drama. Perhaps the best of these legal novels I have read to date, Abrams and Fisher have me hooked and hoping they will pen more for me to enjoy in the future.

Dan Abrams and David Fisher offer another stunning book depicting a historical figure in ways many may not have known him. Theodore Roosevelt was a powerful politician and likeable man, but also appears to have had a darker and more ruthless side, which comes out throughout this piece. The story builds with fact and sentiment injected in each chapter, building the arguments in a knowing way to keep the reader in the middle of the mix. It is as though the reader is asked to be a modern court of public opinion, proving a great deal for them to weigh as the book progresses. Using court transcripts, news reports, and other primary sources to shape the nafrrative of the trial, the authors develop a story that is both addictive and highly educational for the curious reader. With the Great War raging on in the background, the foundamental issues of American law find their way into the mix, showing how democratic and well-documented views can ensure truth and honour are met without shedding any blood. Dan Abrams and David Fisher do a masterful job in telling this piece and kept me hooked until the final reveal.

Kudos, Messrs. Abrams and Fisher, for another gem!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Rama Rao · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teddy Roosevelt’s Libel Trial

On May 22, 1915, after a five-week trial, in the William Barnes vs. Theodore Roosevelt libel suit, the jury’s verdict was in favor of the President. Barnes, a former chairman of the Republican National Committee had sued Roosevelt for $50,000 for an alleged libelous statement “a political boss of the most obnoxious type.” The trial did not begin well for the President, he was frustrated by the proceedings and on the witness stand, he spoke after his attorney’s objections and judge’s use of gavel. While the book is about the other end of Roosevelt’s life. This case threatened the president to humiliate and humble him. He still had big plans to make another run for the president. He was forced to defend his reputation and honor under questioning by the plaintiff’s attorneys. The stakes were high, and this courtroom drama brought the president up close and unscripted to the American public. This was the trial of the century in 1915, and it inspired many modern-day counselors looking for name and fame.

Roosevelt’s rise to power is like trajectory of a rocket. In effect, he was a naturalist, a writer, a lover, a hunter, a ranchman, a soldier, a Nobel Prize winner, and a politician; at the age of forty-two he was the youngest President in American history. He came as a progressive reformer and then committed himself to deep reform in the Bull Moose campaign of 1912. During his life, he chased thieves across the Badlands of North Dakota, and he was a night-stalking police commissioner in New York City. As assistant secretary of the navy under President McKinley, he almost single-handedly brought about the Spanish-American War. After leading “Roosevelt’s Rough Riders” in the famous charge up San Juan Hill, Cuba, he returned home a military hero, and was rewarded with the governorship of New York. Despite all his achievements and monumental contributions in the service of the nation, he was humbled at the end of the trial. The president’s life is a great inspiration to all people.

[Jeni · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an advanced copy through goodreads.com in exchange for an honest review, & honestly I would not recommend this book unless you love historical minutia. This was a very slow read with what seems to me a very old-fashioned writing style which at times is rather stilted, but probably more of a reflection of the time period. It took quite a lot of effort to get into this one; then it generally plodded along. I was disappointed as Theodore Roosevelt always seemed to me to be anything but boring.

This trial of libel was a major courtroom battle of its time as this was a former President being sued because he accused a former friend and ally (William Barnes) of political corruption. It’s impressive to note that more than 50 newspapers sent reporters to cover this trial held in Syracuse, NY. However this presentation has much redundancy and repetition. The author obviously did a lot of research and seems to have been determined to prove this with an overwhelming inclusion of this minutia.

While I wouldn’t recommend this book, I see a lot of highly rated reviews have already been posted. I guess I’m just not the targeted audience for a book of this type.

[Joseph Sciuto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Abrams and David Fisher's novel, "Theodore Roosevelt For the Defense" is a captivating look at the rampart corruption in both the democratic and republican parties in New York State in the first two decades of the 20th century. The type of corruption that the great TR fought against his whole life. Both parties were controlled by "bosses" who did not want to give the people the vote in choosing state senators, but instead wanted to keep the status quo, and more or less let the bosses choose the men they could easily control and put them into power while the bosses made deals to line their pockets with cash.

The book recounts the trial that saw Colonel Roosevelt accused of libel by big time Republican boss William Barnes. I won't get into the trail or tell you the verdict, but the unfolding courtroom drama that last six weeks is a disturbing, eye-opening look into the politics of corruption and self interest. I strongly recommend.

[Dan Dundon · Rating 3 out of 5]

For those who love trial strategy and legal history, this is the perfect book. However for those who are looking for a page-turning legal thriller, this may not be a great selection. The authors have done a commendable job of making it as interesting as a tedious civil trial can be complete with its redundant and at times boring testimony. The authors try to keep it interesting by adding nice touches of historical context such as the sinking of the Lusitania. Also readers who are somewhat familiar with libel law will marvel at how much it has evolved from Roosevelt's time. Certainly today's press freedoms would never have developed had the libel law of Roosevelt's day continued into the present. Despite its drawbacks, the authors have done a nice job of capturing one of the most colorful political characters of the time. If it had not been for the former president's role in the trial, I'm sure the case would never have generated this book on its own merits.

[Louis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A detailed account of a mostly forgotten event in Theodore Roosevelt's eventful life, the time he was sued for libel. In 1915, he accused a Republican party leader (and longtime rival) of corruption, remarks which landed him in court. The trial was a sensation in Syracuse, where it was held. While not a first-rate legal thriller, Abrams and Fisher do an excellent job highlighting the issues of how much protection is due to public figures' reputations and what limits (if any) should be placed on political speech. While I think more space should have been given to TR's great effort at the time (drawing the U.S. into entering World War I), this book still works as a historical legal thriller. Best of all, there are the transcripts of Roosevelt on the stand to liven up the narrative.

[Deacon Tom (Feeling Better) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

An academic book that is a bit dry.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Legal thrillers and courtroom dramas aren’t always my cup of tea, although I have been known to enjoy an occasional one, usually by Scott Turow or John Grisham, due to the fact that the courtroom setting has the potential for a lot of great human conflict.

But a libel suit? To me, that just screams boring, two people arguing about who’s lying the most. It smacks of schoolyard antics: two kids yelling, “He called me a name!” “No, I didn’t!” “Yes, he did!”, ad nauseum. I chose to quit the profession of teaching because of this bullshit, why the hell would I read a book about it?

Well, as it happens, libel suits are kind of interesting. Libel suits involving Theodore Roosevelt are really interesting, and somewhat-forgotten but precedent-setting libel suits involving Theodore Roosevelt are, indeed, fascinating.

Authors Dan Abrams and David Fisher, in their book, “Theodore Roosevelt For the Defense: The Courtroom Battle to Save His Legacy”, have fashioned a nonfiction account of a 1915 courtroom case that, in its time, was a media sensation, reported on all over the country in every newspaper in every state. Today, the story has been subsumed by much sexier history and relegated to nothing more than a footnote in American history, but that doesn’t mean it’s not relevant.

Here’s the case in a nutshell: After serving his two terms as President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt found himself trying to still be active in politics, or, at least, giving his unsolicited two cents regarding any issue in politics, usually to the annoyance of actual active politicians.

One of the many topics Roosevelt railed against was the issue of corporate money in campaign funding and partisan political machines. In those days, political “bosses” were still kind of a thing. The Republican party and the Democrat party would often coerce politicians to vote for or against legislation based not on the wishes of constituents but more on how much money certain corporations were donating to the respective party and how the legislation would help or hinder said corporations.

Gee, it’s a good thing this stuff doesn’t happen nowadays... (he said with a wink.)

Anyway, Roosevelt published an editorial in which he criticized both parties for what he felt was corrupt practices in terms of campaign funding and vote-rigging of legislation. He actually named specific people in the article, one of whom was New York State Republican Party Chairman William Barnes, Jr.

Barnes, a little pissed off to be called out on the floor, sued Roosevelt for libel. On April 19, 1915, in Syracuse, NY, the trial began. It would run for nearly six weeks.

Thankfully, Abrams/Fisher doesn’t describe in detail the minutiae of the six-week trial but rather focuses on the eight days that Roosevelt was called to the stand for the defense. Eight crazy, hilarious, and often heated days of Roosevelt’s rambling and political pontifications. Notorious for being a blowhard, Roosevelt---love him or hate him---was riveting to watch speak. This was, after all, the same president who, after being shot by a failed assassin, chose to finish a speech rather than go to the hospital, all the while bleeding from the bullet still lodged in him.

Part of the fun of reading the book is the description of how excited people were to see Roosevelt still in the spotlight. Over the course of the eight days, the courtroom was filled to capacity, standing room only. Women would fawn and swoon at Roosevelt. He was a political rock star.

There’s also the humor in seeing the prosecution (led by well-known attorney William Ivins, Sr.) getting physically upset and annoyed by Roosevelt’s bluster. Despite constant objections and attempts even by Judge Charles Andrews to keep him under control, Roosevelt was like a bull in a china shop on the stand. It made for fascinating and often hilarious news copy.

But the case was important for helping to establish the strength of libel laws and setting an important precedent for people accused of libel. There was a time, believe it or not, when a person could be accused of and punished for libel, even if what they were saying was true. Imagine that. Today, a person accused of libel has the opportunity to prove that what they said is true.

I mean, seriously, imagine an elected official today accusing a journalist of writing lies about them and saying that they write “fake news”. Gee, it’s a good thing this stuff doesn’t happen nowadays... (he said with a wink.)

[Gary Moreau · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not a book about the trial for libel filed by Albany Republican party boss William Barnes against the former President of the United States and hero of the Spanish-American war, Theodore Roosevelt, commonly referred to at this stage in his career and life simply as Colonel. This IS the trial, laid out in all of its painful, often confusing, and, infrequently, semi-humorous detail.

If not the trial of the century, it ranked right up there with the most important trials of American history. At its core was the very definition of what American democracy was and should be. Roosevelt, in an article that became widely published and was at the heart of the claim of libel, claimed that the party bosses, elected by no one and accountable only to the moneyed class that gave them power and wealth (given to both parties by the same people, as remains the current custom), colluded to deny the interests of the citizens at large in favor of their own power and fortune.

That, however, by definition, would seem to suggest, despite Roosevelt ultimately being found innocent, to deny the trial the status of a turning point in American jurisprudence or political history. For, it is obvious to even the most casual observer, nothing has really changed. The bosses of the era may have morphed into the politicians, the lobbyists, and the rich themselves (”This brought to the courtroom an unpleasant truth about American politics; the moneyed interests used their money to protect those interests.”), but there is little question that money is what makes the wheels of government turn and they turn primarily, if not exclusively, to protect the interests of the moneyed class that once supported the bosses and their machines and now protect the politicians – without shame, for the most part - openly and without apology or embarrassment.

Theodore Roosevelt was a fascinating man and in this book, Dan Abrams brings out both the greatness and the humanity; the virtue and the contradictions. And like his distant cousin and in-law who would occupy the oval office at an equally crucial time in American history, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, I do believe that the Colonel had the best interests of the common man in his heart in everything he did. Oh how I wish we could somehow bring him back, desperate as we are for such willingness to put the ideals of our nation above the individual thirst for power.

Beyond its value as a book of legal and political history, this is a book about language. Language, after all, does not occur naturally, like oxygen or the rivers. It is of human origin, an artificial convention created to make communication more efficient and effective. As a result, however, language is, by definition, highly imprecise, which is why we have lawyers and courtrooms – and poets. The plaintiff, the defendant, and all of the lawyers who represent them, in addition to the judge himself, are all gifted in the art of language and its power. And that, itself, to me, was both fascinating and entertaining. I adore and respect language. (Which is one of the reasons I write so many reviews, of course.)

There is a lot of history here. I grew up very close to Syracuse, where the trial took place, and learned a great many things about the trial and the area that I had never known before. In the end, however, I gave it a three as a kind of trigger warning, as much as I don’t believe in that concept in general.

If you are a lawyer you should read this book to hone your skills. If you are a historian you should read this book for its well-written insight into an important man and an important period (pre-World War I) in American history. And if you are a law student ordered to read this by your professor, well, it doesn’t matter, you have to read it.

If, however, you are just looking for a light, entertaining read; say, a mystery or a love story, you will not find it here. But you must decide who you are and why you read.

I will tell you this. As an author myself, I long ago committed to seeing every book I begin to read through to the finish. I believe we owe it to the author for their hard work and there are many a book which makes its mark in the final chapters. And I did fulfill my commitment to that pledge in this case (and I didn’t skim) and am glad I did.

If only the world had really changed and money no longer compromised (i.e. COMPROMISED) our politics to the extent it does. Rest in Peace, Colonel.

[Alex Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received my copy through a Goodreads giveaway.

I was happy to see that I won a copy of the book, President Theodore Roosevelt I believe was one of our last honest men to run for president, and I often considered to be one of my favorites. I typically do not read to many books about politics however, as most of them I feel tend to be boring to say the least. However, this book, discussing the liable lawsuit against Theodore Roosevelt I definitely believe was a interesting book about what at the time was considered the trial of the century.

The trial focuses around when William Barnes, the leader of the Republican Party, was accused by Teddy Roosevelt to be a corrupt politician who worked against the will of the American people. I don’t think a lot of people will think about the fact that after Theodore Roosevelt stepped down from office as president that he ended up in a court room being accused of liable.

There are points in the book that I feel can be a little dry and boring, however the author does a great job to make sure to be honest to what happened during this trial and does a great job breaking everything down. I also enjoy how they connect what is going on during the trial to what else is going on, mainly the looming war.

I believe the book was fairly written and fantastically done and is a book that I would recommend anyone who has an interest in politics or law, to this book

[Dakota Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

The authors manage to make a hundred-year-old libel suit relatively engaging in Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense, so that's a point in their favor. That said, "relatively" is the key term. I tuned out while listening to this audiobook several times and found myself missing very little. Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense is well-written, interesting, and occasionally fun, but it's also a lengthy book that could have easily been a magazine article.

Roosevelt is certainly an appealing character, but the New York state politicians and their bland, early-1900s wrangling are not. The courtroom elements are well-portrayed, yet I found myself eager for the details of life outside the courtroom. The Lusitania's sinking mid-trial is a reminder that the trial isn't nearly as exciting as the build-up to World War I. Still, I never truly grew bored, even during the lengthy discussions of the lawyer's legalese.

I'd listen to another non-fiction courtroom drama by the pair of authors, though I'm happy to see their other works are a tad shorter.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Theodore Roosevelt for the Defense follows the 1915 libel trial against TR by William Barnes after TR had claimed the leader of the republican party was corrupt. The trial was unlike any other leading up to that time and Abrams covers it in excruciating detail. You have to be down for a legal based thriller for this book to catch your fancy. This book is not about TR but much more about the legal process and case at the time and the lawyers who argued it. It is a little written about event in this much detail but for those interested in legal history you will find this well done. If you are interested in learning more about Roosevelt then it is probably best to pass on this one as not a lot of new details are gleamed. Overall a solid 3 stars but with a limited nitch audience.

[bup · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the time called "the trial of the century," it's pretty amazing that this case is so little known today. Or maybe it's really well known, but I've read a couple of biographies of TR and never have heard of it before this book.

Whether it's historically important or not, it's a good tale skillfully told, and it makes me want to seek out other Dan Abrams books (especially Lincoln's Last Trial: The Murder Case That Propelled Him to the Presidency).

[Deb Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt as if I were present in the courtroom as Theodore Roosevelt battled political boss, William Barnes, in a lawsuit to disprove Barnes' assertion of libel. I can think of no higher praise for a work of this nature than that.

As with Abrams' and Fisher's earlier work on the last murder trial tried by Abraham Lincoln, the research done is evident.

[Barbara Dougherty Evans · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was an okay read, but just not my cup of tea. For those who are into history, particularly Theodore Roosevelt this would be a good book. I am glad I won a copy on Goodreads as it gave me the opportunity to read something I would not normally choose and the author is well versed in the subject matter and tells a good story, but just not something I am into so don't go by my review. If this is a topic you are into, this book is for you. If not, skip it.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliant book about Teddy Roosevelt's little heard about liable trial where he defended himself in court. Dan Abrams and David Fisher captured the essence of this trial. This was an enjoyable read that I highly recommend!

[Robin Leigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The more things change, the more they stay the same. It seems like the very issues Roosevelt complained about and was sued over are still problems today. I enjoyed this book and learning about a little known trial involving Roosevelt. This book made me admire Theodore Roosevelt even more.

[Tony Laplume · Rating 3 out of 5]

At once utterly fascinating and utterly incompetent. And I do not mean the legal definition of incompetent.

At heart is the giant Teddy Roosevelt, who since his distant cousin FDR took office (and took office) (and took) (and took) has fallen farther down the halls of American history than is reasonable, and this is a rare glimpse into his living persona. That the resulting book attempts to vindicate his legacy is admirable. That it falls so far from the mark is abominable.

How it does so is actually fascinating. The back copy of the paperback edition promises the trial Dan Abrams and David Fisher chronicle will “lay bare the very secrets of America’s political system,” and yet they seem positively allergic, in the pages of the book, to do any such thing. They in fact side with the very doubt they foster that Roosevelt was right when he called the system, and the plaintiff (some anonymous bloke rightly forgotten) corrupt. They go so far as to wring drama out of whether or not Roosevelt himself was free from the entanglement of the problems he long railed against.

The whole narrative is written without finesse, which is all the more curious since there are two writers and their having written several other books together already. They don’t set a proper stage, and their clumsy efforts to skirt the onset of American involvement in WWI, which was a matter very much important to Roosevelt himself, and not adequately reflected even in its frequent references, are downright hapless.

They instead appear far more fascinated in arcane legal matters, though they never wonder at the massive gaps in logic left in the wake of the arguments made by the defense, such as why it didn’t dig into the obvious signs of corruption, or if they even thought to solicit the insights of the man who knew best Roosevelt’s political influence, his former Vice President and successor as President, William Taft, whose legal interests and abilities were later to lead to his attaining the role of Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Surely his perspective would have been relevant, but never considered, at least in this book.

The idea of Roosevelt battling corrupt politics is a heavy draw, especially for anyone who wonders why there have been so few like him since, and certainly no one in the modern era, in which everyone has a voice but no one nearly brave like him, or with enough perspective, enough courage, enough insight, accomplishment, daring. And at this late stage, vulnerable enough to be sued for libel, which in the end seems like such a silly thing to have hung such a trial on, though it at least gave him one last chance to make his case.

But at least this book proves that he, at that time, won it.

[Dude_read_a_book · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Extremely well researched, but listen to the audiobook on this one. It’s a truly interesting trial but it bogged down badly, just like the trial itself. I read 2/3rds then had to start listening in order to finish this out.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Great source material. Wishing they had put the offending letter at the front instead of the back. The courtroom descriptions were vivid and clear. I was so tempted to google the result but wanted to enjoy the mystery instead. The twisty turny ending was a good ride. Enjoy!

[Tim Wester · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
Good book but incredibly dry

[Mark Fallon · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the many biographies of TR that I've read over the years, this trail is usually relegated to a brief chapter or only a paragraph. Abrams and Fisher provide insights and details that reveal how momentous this trial as - not just for Roosevelt, but for the country at that time.

Would make a great movie - if they could find someone who could portray TR.

[Leslie K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can just imagine the booming laugh and twinkling eyes. Very nice read.

[Edy Gies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting and well-written book. I had no idea this trial ever took place so I was intrigued. TR is one of my favorite people. I love to imagine having dinner or traveling with him. He had a massive personality but seems free from narcissism which is rare.

I found Lincoln's Last Trial a bit more compelling, but the difference between criminal and civil law is the main difference. Fans of American History or politics will enjoy this look through the legal system.

[Kathleen Huben · Rating 4 out of 5]

A part of history I had never heard about before. It's a well written and fairly easy to follow discussion of a case involving a type of law not often used as basis for a book aimed at general public. Provided an interesting look at Theodore Roosevelt and the public perception of him.

[BDW · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insightful description of the libel trial of Teddy Roosevelt. Fascinating to see the larger than life ex-president who seemingly could sell ice to Eskimos. In the run up to the first world war Roosevelt is is sued for libel by the party boss of the New York state Republicans. Roosevelt, the boisterous and legendary American hero, had continued to support the progressive wing of the party after leaving the presidency. One of his endorsements accused a former friend and ally, William Barnes of political corruption. Barnes responded by suing for an enormous sum that could have bankrupted Roosevelt. Roosevelt defends himself on the stands and the nation follows along in the papers. Interesting insight in to the politics, media, and law of the time along with fascinating characters.

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent book on the greatest libel suit in history in 1915. A battle fought between Theodore Roosevelt and the leader of the Republican Party, William Barnes. Teddy Roosevelt readily admitted he had written and circulated, an article which was critical of the political system and its leaders, specifically William Barnes, calling him "corrupt." For Barnes it was something he could not let slide since he had his sights set on either the Senate or the Governorship of the State of New York. Barnes sued Roosevelt for libel and asked for the princely sum of $50,000 be awarded him. Abrams does a masterful job of laying out the case and bringing the readers into the courtroom. Roosevelt was larger than life and the author does a great job of showing how he dominated the courtroom. This is a great book and one which is very hard to put down.