Rather His Own Man: In Court with Tyrants, Tarts and Troublemakers

by Geoffrey Robertson

ISBN13 9781785903977 Geoffrey Robertson led students in the 60s to demand an end to racism and censorship. He went on to become a top human rights advocate, saving the lives of many death-row inmates, freeing dissidents and taking on tyrants in a career marked by courage, determination and a fierce independence. In this witty, honest and sometimes irreverent memoir, he recalls battles on behalf of George Harrison and Julian Assange, Salman Rushdie and Václav Havel, Mike Tyson and the Sex Pistols, and battles against General Pinochet, Lee Kuan Yew and Mrs Thatcher (the true story of Spycatcher is told for the first time). Interspersed with these forensic fireworks is the story of a pimply schoolboy from a state comprehensive, inspired by a banned book to become a barrister at the Old Bailey and who went on to found the UK''s leading human rights practice (Doughty Street Chambers) and to defend troublemakers throughout the world. Rather His Own Man

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Law, Memoir, Book Club

496 pages, paperback

Published June 13, 2019

About the author

Geoffrey Ronald Robertson QC (born 30 September 1946) is a human rights barrister, academic, author and broadcaster. He holds dual Australian and British citizenship.

Robertson is a founder and joint head of Doughty Street Chambers. He serves as a Master of the Bench at the Middle Temple, a recorder, and visiting professor at Queen Mary, University of London.

Reviews

[Matthew Hickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geoffrey Robertson QC is a figure who loomed large in my consciousness, when I was a schoolboy in the 80s and early 90s.

His “Hypotheticals” captured my interest and led friends and family to suggest to me that I, too, should become a barrister one day (as I have now done).

For that reason, I have read most of his published books. This one, like others, left me marvelling at his intellect. If only it was matched by his brevity - sometimes he does rather go on a bit.

His shameless name dropping is always amusing. Do look up his very interesting interview with Sir John Kerr (to which this book refers), which is available on YouTube, if you’ve not seen it before.

[Anna Baillie-Karas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoffrey Robertson has accomplished much in a legal career advancing free press & human rights. His memoir is wonderfully engaging. You may not always agree with him but he’s intelligent & thought-provoking, can laugh at himself & writes lovingly about his family. His active, curious mind & sense of compassion & humanity run through the book. And fabulous name-dropping: it’s like hearing all the best dinner party stories (plus some law 😉).

[Harrison Drummer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book very interesting. This man has lived a very busy and extraordinary life. It showed me a different world far from my own.

[Rod Hunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always a pleasure to read Geoffrey Robertson’s prose- caustic at times, inspiring at others. Thought provoking - a well shaped autobiography.

[Annie Booker · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like Geoffrey Robertson but the book dragged for me. It wasn't as good as I'd thought it would be.

[Jodaly Daly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enlightening and entertaining insight into Geoffrey Robertson's secular credo to fight for our society's struggle to be humane, and how he is undoubtedly winning on our behalf to convince the world that there is global responsibility to look after humanity. It provides reassuringly significant evidence that one person can be an effective champion for this cause, in the face of powerful individuals and institutions trying to maintain if not expand their dehumanising power. And it provides hope that this progress can continue despite the current egregious examples of wanton abuse of power.

In every venue of endeavour, from the suburban to the international courts, GR's will to fight for the individual to be afforded basic human rights resulting in accepted precedents and and enforceable laws, gives hope that no matter how small our scope, we can make all make a difference.

In general, it provides a good grounding in the problems when the legal system adjudicates on moral issues, being biased to the prejudices of the judiciary, and makes a good argument that it is not the judiciary's responsibility to decide on the "criminality" or moral or immoral acts, it is society when decided upon through parliament, however when democratically elected.

However equally he argues for and demonstrates the importance of the independence of the judiciary, and the court's officers to ensure the rule of law is preserved, which does not necessarily equate to justice. From this I imagine the next argument is for democracy to act for the changing of laws that result in supporting systemically unjust outcomes.

Thoroughly recommended and gives thought to what more I can do as citizen.

[Janice Forbes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, particularly the mentions early on of familiar names from my teen years. I did not know Geoff well and am hoping I wasn't the beautiful BUT forward girl at the June Winter classes. l do recall an awful experience of dancing with a boy who kept stomping on my toes, no matter how hard I tried to keep them away. I do not recall whether it was Geoff but it may have been. We attended the same classes. It was so shameful an experience that I've blotted it out. What most blew my mind about the book was Geoff's strong ethical sense, from an early age. This enabled him to see and take a stand on important issues that more ordinary, unadventurous souls like me would have let pass. Geoff grew up in fortunate circumstances, as did I. So much seemed possible to us. Other of Geoff's friends from that time have also achieved great things, perhaps in part spurred on by their mates, to achieve. I remember the dark room boys. Photos of me were developed there, taken by Bill Lyne and Barry Noller; the latter entirely innocent but designed to raise eyebrows. Moving on from the history in which I shared a part, Geoff recounts so much important history of our time, that he was involved in making, and changing. I had not realised how huge his achievements had been. For all his avowed pomposity he seems humble enough about the things he achieved that really mattered.

[Carmel Audsley · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you read this book you can hear Robertson’s BBC newsreader-inspired voice as he recounts his heritage, childhood and his life as a prominent barrister. He is well-known for his appearances on television in shows such as Hypotheticals, but it is his work in English and international courts, and his fights for social justice, that will be his legacy. He confesses a passion for theatre and opera, as well as music from Dylan and Springsteen and Broadway musicals from the fifties. It was interesting to read of his serious relationship with Nigella Lawson. His recounting of the clandestine affair he conducted with (now wife) novelist Kathy Lette after meeting her on an episode of Hypotheticals in Queensland, makes him much more interesting. When Kylie Minogue was unable to be a panellist, Lette was chosen to replace her. Robertson joked that he intended to put up with her for three hours and not thirty years. The marriage has since ended. He is proudly Australian and recounts his ancestry in some detail at the beginning of the book which rather slows down the pace, so if you get past that and read on, you will be rewarded for your patience.

[Misty Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read. The pages mostly seemed to fly by, despite the main content running to over 450. I probably would have managed to read it more quickly had life not currently been so busy and if the print font had been slightly larger - as it was my eyes struggled to decipher more than 20 pages at a time - a shame as Robertson's style is informal and irreverent and he makes the content accessible for almost any reader, regardless of whether they have much familiarity with legal concepts. His 'back story' is rather unconventional by UK standards, which is all to the good as he does not hesitate to try to demolish previously impermeable attitudes, conventions and institutions as well as dismantling much of the pomposity and bureaucracy of the legal system in this country while contributing to the justice processes of other nations around the world

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book tells the story of a brilliant Australian Sydney University graduate who has achieved fame, success and recognition, but predominantly out of London. Geoffrey Robertson is clever, egotistical and when he doesn't know, brushes over the facts. However, there is no denying his consistent achievements in the legal world over many years. He does dwell on what he considers to be his poor background, although it does seem middle-class to me, but I assume it was something that arose repeatedly when he encountered the private school snobs at Sydney Uni. and later at Oxford. He does come across as rather gushy in the name dropping sections, like a small boy with an autograph book, but it doesn't detract. I'd put is down as a 'worth a read'.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only way I can think to describe Geoffrey's writing is unashamedly flamboyant. Lucky for me that is a style I appreciate wholeheartedly. Robertson is an author with a unique and clever perspective on a wide range of topics backed by a lifetime of worldly experience. He never delves too deeply into arguments around human rights - he has other books for that - but it clearly punctuates every sentence and has been possibly the largest influence of his life to date. His experience is one to be admired and I look forward to being educated and enthused as he continues to write well into the future. His sharp defences of freedom of speech and against tyranny are welcome more now than ever.

[Ernest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Geoffrey Robertson is a smart dedicated and hard working Barrister who has dedicated much of his life’s work to helping the cause of justice. His efforts in humanitarian causes and controversial cases helped make the world a better place. Not all lawyers are sleazy money hungry creeps. Many like Mr. Robertson do great work that changes lives and removes or reduces cruel laws. Not bad for an Australian bloke .

[Barbara Phi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book and the blurb does not exaggerate, it's insightful and the writer an excellent and highly principled raconteur. He's also one f the most elegant and prolific name droppers you'd ever encounter but then he does meet a lot of interesting people. The book is well titled. Do read it, he's one of those people whose actions writing and thinking can change lives.

[Odg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robertson’s account of his life is beautifully written. His consistent commitment to free speech and human rights is not only inspiring but a reminder of how human rights can help anchor social justice. Beyond the professional account, this is also a personal account in the defence of ideals to shape a better society.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incisive and informative

This well-written autobiography spans a distinguished and varied career. Full of legal information but accessible written with a good deal of background information this is highly recommended.

[Michel Dignand · Rating 3 out of 5]

Clever? Very.
Up himself? Obviously.
Successful? Very much indeed.
Irritating? Immensely.
Name dropper? Never stops.
Boring? Well, he does go on, rather.
Is he going to save Australian journalists from a fate roughly equivalent to death? I somehow doubt it, unfortunately.

[Bronwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wasn’t sure what this was going to be like but picked it up for $4 in a second hand bookstore, so went with it. It is very funny in places but also has the other side. I don’t necessarily agree with all the politics but it truly is a fascinating read. Have ordered another one of his books!

[Bronwyn Kanahs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t believe it when I got this for $4 in a used bookstore and thought it might be very hard to read. However it is hilarious in parts, sad in others and very dark in other areas. It is everything you would expect in a Hypothetical from a very clever man. Have ordered another of his books!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very amusing recollection of Australia and the World from a legal perspective

[Daryl Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting character who has done a lot of er his career

[PHILIP MATTHEWS · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robertson is a bit of a name dropper... but an interesting biography all the same.

[Blondi Barnet · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldn’t finish. Gave up

[Hunter Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in how global politics and economics truly work, this is a great read. Geoffrey Robertson QC - world human rights' expert - is right on the mark every time. His intellect, detail and botheration to get to the truth through freedom of speech and critical thinking is spell-binding. The book is so funny in parts, and made me laugh many times.
He took on the legal profession itself while also fronting up to a few lazy peers, for the sake of public interest, which affects each one of us.
His bravery on behalf of every day justice is awesome.
Love your work Geoffrey Robertson QC and everything it stands for.

[Amy Heap · Rating 3 out of 5]

Geoffrey Robertson is clearly a fascinating, and very clever man. I enjoyed the details of his grandparents, parents, and his early life, but wasn't totally enthralled by all the law cases, impressive though they are. It is full of details of dealings with famous people, plenty about law cases, and a bit light on relationships - parenthood is almost dealt with in a paragraph, for example. His is an amazing life, worth a read, even if some parts are skimmed.