Preview
  • Darrow's Nightmare

  • Los Angeles 1911-1913
  • By: Nelson Johnson
  • Narrated by: Graham Winton
  • Length: 10 hrs and 23 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (21 ratings)

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Darrow's Nightmare

By: Nelson Johnson
Narrated by: Graham Winton
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Publisher's summary

From the author of the New York Times best-selling book and hit HBO series Boardwalk Empire.

“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 and executive producer, Boardwalk Empire)

Clarence Darrow is the most celebrated criminal trial lawyer in American history. In the spring of 1911, organized labor implored Darrow to represent the McNamara brothers, two union iron workers charged with the murder of 20 employees arising out of the bombing of the Los Angeles Times building. Darrow and his wife Ruby's trip west quickly became a fight for survival. After Darrow negotiated a plea bargain for the McNamaras with the help of the brilliant journalist Lincoln Steffens, Darrow was indicted for attempted bribery of a juror. But for the representation of a charismatic, flamboyant, and troubled genius, California Criminal Attorney Earl Rogers, Darrow's career might have ended that year in Los Angeles.

The two trials were front-page national news in their day and then lost to history. Nelson Johnson has brought this two-year episode to life with a cast of memorable characters based upon his study of the 8,500-plus-page trial transcript plus many published and unpublished sources (including Ruby's letters to Darrow's biographer Irving Stone).

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

©2021 Nelson Johnson (P)2021 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about Darrow's Nightmare

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A fantastic read for all but especially trial lawyers.

Any young trial lawyer should read this book! One of the better accounts of a trial I have ever read and provide so many helpful tips that are useful even today.

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A history masterpiece

Only a proven historian and former lawyer and trial judge for more than four decades could have the insight to write this masterpiece. Nelson Johnson, author of Boardwalk Empire has done the nitty gritty history sleuthing, including a close reading of 8,500 pages of trial transcript, to uncover the personalities, foibles, and trial techniques of all the players. This is a tightly written work about our legal and economic history with much relevance to our fragile democracy today.

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1 person found this helpful