Description
Book SynopsisMeticulously researched, Marshall Hall: A Law unto Himself is the first modern biography of a complex and influential man. In an age of inadequate defence funding, minimal forensic evidence, a rigid moral code and a reactionary judiciary, his only real weapons were his understanding of human psychology and the power of his personality.
Trade Review'Sally Smith more than does justice to the extraordinary life of this complex man, with its ups and downs, its stresses and strains, its triumphs and occasional disasters. Her book is not only the portrait of a man, but also of an age and a profession the like of which we will never see again. There have been and will be other great advocates, but the raw battle for the life of an accused in the shadow of the noose is something that now belongs to history. It was a battle at which Marshall Hall excelled.' Paul Magrath, ICLR Review
'Her book is real-life crime history at its best, enhanced by her expert insight into guilty men and women, crafty solicitors, procedural intricacies, legal costs and fees, tabloid sensationalism and human nature at its grubbiest. This is a tip-top book of its kind.' From a review by Richard Davenport-Hines in the Oldie.
'She seeks to explain this forensic phenomenon and with zip and vivacity she succeeds.' From a review by Alan Moses in The Times Literary Supplement.
'A fascinating book that should hold any reader in its grip.' From review in The Law Society Gazette.
Table of ContentsPART I OBSCURITY Chapter 1: ‘The last moment’ Chapter 2: ‘Splendid types of English public school life’ Chapter 3: ‘Words can never tell my grief’ Chapter 4: ‘Violent passionate extraordinary advocacy’ PART II NOTORIETY Chapter 5: ‘Mysterious death of a barrister’s wife’ Chapter 6: ‘God never gave her a chance’ Chapter 7: ‘Vote for my daddy, Marshall Hall’ Chapter 8: ‘Outrageous gutter rags’ Chapter 9: ‘Disgraceful conduct’ PART III ASCENDANCY Chapter 10: ‘A simple matter of a moment’ Chapter 11: ‘The scales of justice’ Chapter 12: ‘I have shot him – he dared me to do it’ Chapter 13: ‘Nearer, my God, to Thee’ Chapter 14: ‘It’s a shame!’ PART IV FAME Chapter 15: ‘A strange magnetic quality’ Chapter 16: ‘Unsuitable for the eyes and ears of pure women’ Chapter 17: ‘God’s great Western sun’ Chapter 18: ‘You damned swine, you have seduced my wife’ Chapter 19: ‘Some great statue of mourning’ Appendix Acknowledgements Select Bibliography Sources and Notes Index
