Scorpions

The Battles and Triumphs of FDR's Great Supreme Court Justices

By: Noah Feldman

Narrated by: Cotter Smith

Length: 14 hrs and 38 mins

Publisher's summary

A tiny, ebullient Jew who started as America's leading liberal and ended as its most famous judicial conservative. A Klansman who became an absolutist advocate of free speech and civil rights. A backcountry lawyer who started off trying cases about cows and went on to conduct the most important international trial ever. A self-invented, tall-tale Westerner who narrowly missed the presidency but expanded individual freedom beyond what anyone before had dreamed.

Four more different men could hardly be imagined. Yet they had certain things in common. Each was a self-made man who came from humble beginnings on the edge of poverty. Each had driving ambition and a will to succeed. Each was, in his own way, a genius. They began as close allies and friends of FDR, but the quest to shape a new Constitution led them to competition and sometimes outright warfare.

Scorpions tells the story of these four great justices: their relationship with Roosevelt, with each other, and with the turbulent world of the Great Depression, World War II, and the Cold War. It also serves as a history of the modern Constitution itself.

©2010 Noah Feldman (P)2010 Hachette Audio

Insightful and entertaining

While I enjoyed the "first part" of the book which familiarizes the reader with the main characters and their backgrounds, I found the "second part" the real joy. Well known cases with enough detail to make you comfortable with the issues and an unbiased approach to each character's role in the case. A really good listen for those interested in the Superme Court itself and, as an extra bonus, some familiar names come into play to give you an all around feel for the era and what is to come.
Sandra (Houston, Texas) 4/19/2011

planters and seeds of Justice(s)

Both the content and narration of Scorpions makes listening to this audio book well worth the investment.

astonishingly brilliant!

fascinatingly personal, contextually gripping. Like Dorothy, transporting oneself through the turbulent genius, divisive calm of the most influential FDR men at the pinnacle of american jurisprudence.

Love it!

I learned a tremendous amount from this book. Both relative to legal ruling how the supreme court work. I found out the where is the saying “a stitch in time saves nine” The history of the relationship between them and Roosevelt. Maybe more important the interpersonal relationships these legal giants.
How these brilliant men from varying backgrounds, different life styles and ambitions could come together for maybe the most important supreme court ruling ever in Brown vs Higher Education.

Insightful Read on FDR’s SCOTUS Appointees

A clear and easy-to-read history of the SCOTUS judiciary during the Great Depression and WWII. The author, Feldman, provides a nuanced but cogent biography and judicial history of the four FDR justices: Jackson, Black, Frankfurter, and Douglas. Each of these men had very different experiences, which ultimately shaped their views on the Constitution and had a lasting impact on our country's jurisprudence. Their judicial decisions and progeny continue to affect nearly every aspect of our lives.

Informative and Thoughtful

What made the experience of listening to Scorpions the most enjoyable?

Learning so much about the individuals who impacted our society

What was one of the most memorable moments of Scorpions?

The push for additional justices that lead to a reversal by the Court.

What does Noah Feldman bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His interest and respect for Justice Frankfurter.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Justice Jackson's effort to become Chief Justice.

Any additional comments?

Highly informative regarding the period in time that changed our country.

Great History, Legal Analysis and Story Telling.

This is not only the story of four Supreme Court Justices but (albeit partial) history of the New Deal era and the legal struggles to establish New Deal programs. The lives and character (and contradictions) of the four Justices (Frankfuter, Black, Jackson and Douglas) are developed as well of those of contemporary jurists and historical figures. In addition to being a professor at a prestigious law school, Mr. Feldman is a good storyteller. The performance is excellent. Highly recommended to anyone interested in history. While initially united by their New Deal liberalism, the justices eventually went their separate way in their views of the Constitution and its interpretation. Author Feldman makes a persuasive argument of the importance of these Justices in the development of constitutional thought.

Awesome Read

This book made a very recent road trip fly by. I enjoy a great diversity of books. This book has to be my top five. Its a perspective of the great depression, war time and post war time which I found surprisingly fascinating. I would't hesitate to recommend this to a friend.

Cant stop listening again and again

I bought the book in 2012 and I listen at least once a year. Great story, research and narrator!

Excellent Insight!

Excellent insight into the thinking of these four great men. At times I felt I was there.