Anthology of Nineteenth Century American Legal Poetry

Despite the demands of a practice undertaken without today’s modern conveniences—and electricity—many 19th century lawyers and judges in America found the time, and had the inclination, to write poetry. Edited by Michael H. Hoeflich, an expert on 19th century American legal practice, this collection, which includes poems by President John Quincy Adams and Supreme Court Justices Joseph Story and Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr., offers a window into life in 19th century America as reflected in the practice of law, which by its very nature is entwined in so many stages of life.