The Man to See

I read this book years ago when it first came out. He was a figure larger than life. I would like to have known him. I have given this book to others who like to follow current events. Mr Williams was a large personality and had an engaging personality. Very successful as a Washington Attorney. He was indeed the "Man to See" if you had legal problems during the 1960's and 70's

This bio begins as the story of an earnest, hardworking, extremely intelligent young man who genuinely cares about the accused individual's right to legal counsel, no matter who that individual might be. The names of some of the individuals whom he represents are well known, so there's a fine sense of history-from-the-ground-up. At the same time, his pro bono work for the less-well-known is admirable.But by the middle of the book, there's nothing but a long list of wealthy, powerful, massively self-interested people whose cases Williams wins not so much by skill and attentiveness to the fine points of the law as by personal connections with politicos and judges. Interspersed are his regular angry outbursts and racist/sexist/just-plain-rude remarks.The man attended Mass daily. He was loved by his close friends and highly regarded by most of his clients. But his biography doesn't have much of a change, self-recognition or learning curve to it. It's impressive in a way, but mostly pitiable. And very repetitive.(my entry on Goodreads)

This lawyer enjoyed the profession, the court, cases, clients, sports, press, politicians, the pubs, going out, the Church, …for that he was the man to see.His ability in court was really outstanding. Should be great to have a serious account from him talking about court and jury system.The real lawyer, like Williams, enjoys his work, to share with colleagues the after-trial moments and memories from the case.We can breath part of that on this book. The Williams’s life, funny the most part, sad at the end, which is normal, tells us about haw a lawyer feels, “I’m too old for this”…the permanent challenge, coming from a deep sense of duty.

A glimpse inside a time gone by. Wasnt a difficult read but it WAS a fun read. EBW lived a life for sure. If you like history, interesting characters and their legal woes you will dig this book. I know I did, especially when I bought it used for about 5 bucks!

I read this book when it was first published and decided that I'd like to have a copy for my library. What Bill Bennett, Ben Bradley, and Art Buchwald did to Phyllis Graham is reason enough to read it; too funny. Learn about the "Golden T*t" award, and who gave it to whom and what her reaction was! Some Washington insider stuff too that gives you some idea of what is really going on and who the movers and shakers of that time really were. What Washington hostess had a room in her Georgetown mansion set aside for JFK's use for clandestine assignations? If such sordid details titillate you, well you'll find it here too, although I really hope you aren't that kind of person.

You may not admire Attorney Williams a great deal, but his career certainly warrants a bio and Evan Thomas pulls that off splendidly. He is a gifted writer no matter what subject he has taken on, though 'Sea of Thunder' trumps them all. For the legal profession Edward Bennett Williams is a standard by which to measure one's own values, methods and life style. Most lawyers will not be buried with the mind boggling secrets of DC and Mafia luminaries, so why not enjoy a bit of that vicariously?

Still reading, but so far this book is a page turner. I'm fascinated by how it ties in the political history and post-WW2 development of Washington DC. Evan Thomas also highlights how certain neuroses developed at a young age could have affected how Williams was able to operate at such a high-power level. Highly recommend to law students as well.

LOT OF RESEARCH LIKED BOOK BUT SOMTIMES FELT CUT N PASTE USED TO MUCH.

Fascinating