The Book of Legal Anecdotes

Facts on File, 1989. Gift inscribed and signed by author. Book fine, has P rubber stamped on bottom edge. Jacket near fine, spine sunned. Through this collection of legal anecdotes, Hay attempts to give an "overview" of the legal profession and to elucidate the traditions, humor, and lore of the law. More than half of the 500 selections (which run 20-500 words) deal with American law; most of the others are British. Arrangement is under 10 topics and 33 subtopics, with headings such as "The Joy of Suing," "The Weights of Tradition," and "People of the Law." These broad and vague headings, as well as inclusion of only a name index, limit reference value. Still, many libraries will want this title for reference patrons seeking anecdotes about particular legal topics or persons. Others may want to circulate it for users to browse through the many interesting, witty, and insightful stories. The Oxford Book of Legal Anecdotes , edited by Michael Gilbert (Oxford Univ. Pr., 1986) concentrates much more on British material. A related title is Andrew and Jonathan Roth's Devil's Advocates: The Unnatural History of Lawyers , a collection of humor and anecdotes published by Nolo Pr. this month.-- Ed. Recommended. - Mary Jane Brustman, SUNY at Albany Libs. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.. Signed by Author. First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Near Fine.