The Old Devil: Clarence Darrow

by mcrae-donald

Clarence Darrow was one of the most legendary and influential trial lawyers the world has ever seen. Famous for his ability to turn seemingly unwinnable cases his way through his oratory and his uncanny skill at reading the mood of a jury, he was a man whose work inspired impassioned campaigns against the death penalty as well as lavish Hollywood movies. Now award-winning writer Donald McRae revisits the three greatest trials which secured Darrow's near-mythic reputation and brings them vividly to life. The public themes which Darrow confronted still resonate powerfully today: sex and murder, religion and science, racism, the media and the law. Written with great intimacy, drama and immediacy, this is a sweeping story which offers piercing insight into one of the most towering and controversial personalities of the twentieth century.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

422 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2009

Reviews

[Studvet · Rating 4 out of 5]

When it stuck to the legal stuff it was brilliant but a point taken off for two reasons. One, the stuff about Mary Field Parton :boring and at a loss to why it was in the book to this extent. It detracted from the book and really lead nowhere. It wasn't convincing either. Two, not enough about his upbringing, early life and the influences which made him what he was in later life- this would have been fascinating.

[Matthew Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating character, and brilliantly written

[Keith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first became interested in Clarence Darrow after seeing the film 'Inherit the Wind', and I recall discovering a book on Darrow by Irving Stone. This biography, which appeared in 2009, is much more informed than Stone's book, for I believe that whilst Stone got a lot of help from Darrow's family, he had to give an undertaking that he would not write about certain aspects of Darrow's life. Donald McRae did not have to face such inhibitions and limitations, and this is an enjoyable study of a very human guy.

[Andy Lopata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of me wanted to give this book a 5 star review and another part hated it! The sections about Darrow's trials, particularly his wonderful, captivating speeches are thoroughly engrossing. The obsession with his relationship with Mary Field feels overplayed and distracting.

I'd like also to have read more about Darrow's early career but overall it's a great read. And a must read if you are a fan of great debate and oratory.

[Paul Doody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb biography of the great humane lawyer, the man who defended the Scopes trial.