The Essential Holmes: Selections from the Letters, Speeches, Judicial Opinions, and Other Writings of Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. has been called the greatest jurist and legal scholar in the history of the English-speaking world. In this collection of his speeches opinions and letters Richard Posner reveals the fullness of Holmes achievements as judge historian philosopher and master of English style. Thematically arranged the volume covers a rich variety of subjects from aging and death to themes in politics personalities and law. Posners substantial introduction firmly places this wealth of material in its proper biographical and historical context. "A first-rate prose stylist Holmes was perhaps the most quotable of all judges as this ably edited volume shows."Washington Post Book World "Brilliantly edited lucidly organized and equipped with a compelling introduction by Judge Posner this book is one of the finest single-volume samplers of any authors work I have seen. . . . Posner has fully captured the acrid tang of him in this masterly anthology."Terry Teachout National Review "Excellent. . . . A worthwhile contribution to current American political/legal discussions."Library Journal "The best source for the reader who wants a first serious acquaintance with Holmes."Thomas C. Grey New York Review of Books