Lot 990
Darrow, Clarence (1857-1938) American lawyer and civil libertarian. During the 1920s, he was the most famous trial lawyer in the U.S., best known for defending John Scopes in the famous "Monkey Trial," (1925) which tested the teaching of evolution in state-funded educational establishments. Book inscribed and signed, "To Theodore B. Brameld / With the regards and best wishes of his friend Clarence Darrow / Chicago Nov. 16th 1926." The book is The Plea of Clarence Darrow August 22nd 23rd & 25th MCMXXIIII In Defense of Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold Jr. on Trial for Murder, Chicago: Ralph Fletcher Seymour, [1924]. Signed on the first end page, which, along with the covers, is separated from the body. Paper covers are in poor condition; both covers and signature page have tears and old tape repairs, not affecting the inscription or signature, but one small nick affects the "C" in "Chicago." The text is toned but intact.
The book contains Darrow's twelve-hour long plea to save his clients, Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold, from the death penalty. Eighteen-year-old Loeb and nineteen-year-old Leopld were from wealthy Chicago families, as was their fourteen-year-old victim, Bobby Franks, who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. The trial was the first "trial of the century"; Darrow's eloquent attack on the death penalty, garnered his clients life sentences. Loeb was killed in a prison fight in 1936; Leopold was released in 1958 after 34 years of exemplary behavior.
Theodore Brameld (1904-87) had recently received his AB degree in English when Darrow inscribed this book to him. He went on to become a leading philosopher and educator. Darrow would go on to his most famous trial the next year.
Estimated Value $800 - 1,000.
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| Realized $540 |
