Independent Journey: The Life of William O. Douglas

Independent Journey: The Life of William O. Douglas
ISBN-10
0060140429
ISBN-13
9780060140427
Pages
503
Language
English
Published
1980
Publisher
Harper & Row
Author
James F. Simon

Description

James F. Simon is Martin Professor of Law Emeritus and Dean Emeritus of New York Law School and the author of eight books on American history, law, and politics. This first major biography of Justice William O. Douglas presents a vital, human portrait of the most controversial man to sit on the U.S. Supreme Court in its 191 year history. Simon researched this book for three and a half years and interviewed Douglas's friends and enemies, his children, his wives and Douglas himself. His causes so offended conservative members of Congress that, on four separate occasions, they tried to impeach him. An insightful and intimate portrait of Douglas's generosity and pettiness, his genius and intellectual laziness, his personal problems and his public greatness.