Darrow's Nightmare: The Forgotten Story of America's Most Famous Trial Lawyer: (Los Angeles 1911-1913)

by Nelson Johnson

Overview

From the author of the New York Times bestselling book and hit HBO series BOARDWALK EMPIRE comes the forgotten story of the legendary Clarence Darrow, America's most famous criminal trial lawyer, and the charges that threatened to destroy his career.

"A fascinating portrait of Clarence Darrow as we've never seen him before-as a criminal defendant. In Darrow's Nightmare, Nelson Johnson tells the riveting tale of America's most famous lawyer as he fights for his life, marriage, career, and reputation. I couldn't put it down." -Terence Winter, Creator & Executive Producer, Boardwalk Empire

Considered by many to be one of the best-known criminal defense lawyers in the country, Clarence Darrow became nationally recognized for his eloquence, withering cross-examinations, and compassionate support for the underdog, both in and out of the courtroom.

Though his fifty-year-long career was replete with momentous cases, specifically his work in the Scopes Monkey Trial and the Leopold and Loeb Murder Trial, Darrow's Nightmare zeroes in on just two years of Darrow's career: 1911 to 1913. It was during this time period that Darrow was hired to represent the McNamara brothers, two union workers accused of bombing the Los Angeles Times building, an incident that resulted in twenty-one deaths and hundreds more injuries.

Along with investigative journalist Lincoln Steffens, Darrow negotiated an ambitious plea bargain on behalf of the McNamara brothers. But the plan soon unraveled; not long after the plea bargain was finalized, Darrow was accused of attempting to bribe a juror. As Darrow himself became the defendant, what was once his shining moment in the national spotlight became a threat to the future of his career and the safety of his family.

Forgotten by history books, New York Times best-selling author Nelson Johnson brings two of the most tumultuous years of Darrow's life back to the forefront of conversation. Drawing upon the 8,500-page transcript saved from the two trials, Johnson makes Darrow's story come to life like never before.

Darrow's Nightmare is a true story unlike any other-a historical courtroom thriller brought to life.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780795300417
Publisher:	Rosetta Books
Publication date:	07/15/2022
Pages:	362
Sales rank:	379,086
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.81(d)

About the Author

Nelson Johnson is the author of the award-winning book and acclaimed HBO series of the same name, Boardwalk Empire. Johnson’s other books include The Northside: African Americans and the Creation of Atlantic City and Battleground New Jersey: Vanderbilt, Hague, and Their Fight for Justice. Prior to his retirement in 2018, Johnson worked as a lawyer for more than thirty years and was eventually appointed to the position of Superior Court Judge for the state of New Jersey. Johnson currently lives in Hammonton, New Jersey, with his family.

Table of Contents

The Players vi

Prologue Labor's Lawyer 1

Chapter 1 At Home, Chicago 9

Chapter 2 Death & Destruction in the City of Angels 25

Chapter 3 The Lawyer from Kinsman Returns to Los Angeles 51

Chapter 4 Things Get Complicated 75

Chapter 5 The Good Samaritan 97

Chapter 6 Enter Earl Rogers 119

Chapter 7 Building a Defense 139

Chapter 8 The Trial Begins 159

Chapter 9 Bert Franklin 177

Chapter 10 Hypnosis & Inkwells 197

Chapter 11 The State Rests, the Defense Begins 217

Chapter 12 The Good Samaritan: Charming, Entertaining, and Credible 241

Chapter 13 "All Life Hangs on a Thread 259

Chapter 14 Slings & Arrows 277

Chapter 15 Whips & Scorns 301

Epilogue Adieu, Los Angeles 317

End Notes 335

Bibliography 340

Photo Credits 342

Index 344

Editorial Reviews

A fascinating portrait of Clarence Darrow as we've never seen him before - as a criminal defendant. In Darrow's Nightmare, Nelson Johnson tells the riveting tale of America's most famous lawyer as he fights for his life, marriage, career and reputation. I couldn't put it down.” —Terence Winter, Creator & Executive Producer, Boardwalk Empire

From the Publisher