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Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary Paperback – February 1, 2000
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“Magisterial . . . in Williams’ richly detailed portrait, Marshall emerges as a born rebel.”—Jack E. White, Time
Thurgood Marshall was the twentieth century’s great architect of American race relations. His victory in the Brown v. Board of Education decision, the landmark Supreme Court case outlawing school segregation in the United States, would have made him a historic figure even if he had never been appointed as the first African-American to serve on the Supreme Court. He had a fierce will to change America, which led to clashes with Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcom X, and Robert F. Kennedy. Most surprising was Marshall’s secret and controversial relationship with the FBI chief J. Edgar Hoover.
Based on eight years of research and interviews with over 150 sources, Thurgood Marshall is the sweeping and inspirational story of an enduring figure in American life who rose from the descendants of slaves to become an American hero.
- Print length512 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherCrown
- Publication dateFebruary 1, 2000
- Dimensions5.2 x 1.05 x 7.99 inches
- ISBN-100812932994
- ISBN-13978-0812932997
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"This is a must-read for all Americans concerned with the struggle for civil and individual rights."--Booklist (Editors' Choice, 1998)
"Engaging--remarkable in its vivid and detailed account of its subject."--The Washington Post Book World
"Magisterial." --Time magazine
From the Inside Flap
From the bestselling author of Eyes on the Prize, here is the definitive biography of the great lawyer and Supreme Court justice.
From the Back Cover
From the bestselling author of Eyes on the Prize, here is the definitive biography of the great lawyer and Supreme Court justice.
About the Author
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Rumors flew that night. Supreme Court Justice Tom Clark had resigned a few hours earlier. By that Monday evening, Solicitor General Thurgood Marshall and his wife, Cissy, heard that the president was set to name Clark's replacement the very next morning. At the Marshalls' small green town house on G Street in Southwest Washington, D.C., the phone was ringing. Friends, family, and even politicians were calling to see if Thurgood had heard anything about his chances for the job. But all the Marshalls could say was that they had heard rumors.
As Marshall dressed for Clark's retirement party on that muggy Washington night of June 12, 1967, he looked at his reflection in the mirror. Years ago some of his militant critics had called him "half-white" for his straight hair, pointed nose, and light tan skin. Now, at fifty-eight, his face had grown heavy, with sagging jowls and dark bags under his eyes. His once black hair, even his mustache, was now mostly a steely gray. And he looked worried. He did have on a good dark blue suit, the uniform of a Washington power player. But the conservative suit looked old and out of place in an era of Afros and dashikis. And even the best suit might not be strong enough armor for the high-stakes political fight he was preparing for tonight. At this moment the six-foot-two-inch Marshall, who weighed well over two hundred pounds, felt powerless. He was fearful that he was about to lose his only chance to become a Supreme Court justice.
Staring in the mirror as if it were a crystal ball, Marshall could see clearly only that he would have one last chance to convince the president he was the right man. That chance would come tonight at Justice Clark's retirement party.
In his two years as solicitor general there had been constant rumors floating around the capital about Marshall being positioned by the president to become the first black man on the high court. However, with one exception, no one at the White House had ever spoken to him about the job. That exception was President Lyndon Johnson. Whenever Johnson talked about the Supreme Court in front of him, the tall, intense Texan made a point of turning to Marshall, thrusting a finger in his face, and reminding him there was no promise that he would ever have a job on the high court.
But Johnson was privately talking about putting Marshall on the Supreme Court. For a southern politician, Johnson had a strong sense of racial justice. As a skinny twenty-year-old, he had taught school to poor Hispanic children in south Texas and seen firsthand the disadvantages they faced. Now Johnson's fabled political instincts had drawn him to the idea that he would be hailed by history as the president who put the first black on the Supreme Court. The president had set the wheels in motion by making Marshall the nation's first black solicitor general. And he had confided to his wife, Lady Bird, that he wanted to appoint Marshall to the Supreme Court. But the president had been having second thoughts about Marshall. Was he really a good lawyer? And what about talk that Marshall was lazy? Was it realistic to think he could win enough votes to get by white racists in the Senate and be confirmed?
As he finished getting ready for the party, Marshall replayed all the rumors he had heard about why the president was reluctant to appoint him to the high court. Thinking about it, Marshall got grumpy, then angry. His chance to be in the history books as the first black man on the Supreme Court was fading, and he felt abandoned. The word around the capital was that the nomination would be announced tomorrow. Marshall had heard nothing from the White House.
Product details
- Publisher : Crown; Reprint edition (February 1, 2000)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 512 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0812932994
- ISBN-13 : 978-0812932997
- Item Weight : 14.4 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.2 x 1.05 x 7.99 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #162,266 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #69 in United States Judicial Branch
- #101 in Lawyer & Judge Biographies
- #671 in Black & African American Biographies
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
One of America’s leading political analysts, writers and thinkers, Williams has made his career a model of "meeting in the middle", working as a reporter for NPR, The Washington Post and now, as political analyst for Fox News. As co-host of Fox’s The Five and a regular panelist on Fox News Sunday and Special Report with Bret Baier, Williams is unflinching in his dedication to informing viewers and challenging Fox’s conservative stalwarts, bringing balance to critical conversations. He is also the author of six best-selling books, an Emmy-winning journalist and a columnist for The Hill. Acknowledged as one of America’s top speakers, Williams is lauded for his exceptional storytelling and deep knowledge of politics, current events, the media, history, Black America and civil rights. With a recognized talent for motivating and inspiring audiences, he challenges us to stand up, speak out, and participate in our political process.
With the release of his latest book, What the Hell Do You Have to Lose?: Trump’s War on Civil Rights, Williams expands on his work as a civil rights historian and chronicler of American politics and social justice. Making a fact-based case, he sounds the alarm that the many strides made in the decades between Dr. King and President Obama have been put in serious jeopardy in the era of President Trump. The book follows Williams’s multiple best-sellers, including Eyes on the Prize; We the People: The Modern-Day Figures Who Have Reshaped and Affirmed the Founding Fathers’ Vision of America; Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary; Enough: The Phony Leaders, Dead-End Movements, and Culture of Failure That Are Undermining Black America—and What We Can Do About It: This Far by Faith; Stories from the African American Religious Experience; and Muzzled: The Assault on Honest Debate. During four decades of experience reporting from Washington, Williams has interviewed numerous Washington power players and elected officials (including Presidents Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush, and Ronald Reagan) giving him a unique vantage point on America's constantly evolving political climate.
As a speaker, Williams has earned a sterling reputation for graciousness, consummate professionalism, entertaining storytelling, and commitment to partnering with event leadership. Known as much for his preparation as his performance, he gets to know your organization and the goals of the event, delivering a keynote experience that is personalized, inspiring, authentic and unforgettable.
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Customers find the book informative and interesting. They describe it as a well-researched biography about Thurgood Marshall, one of America's greatest lawyers and judges. The writing style is described as well-written and nuanced. Overall, customers find the book an engaging read that provides a well-rounded perspective on the Civil Rights Movement.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the book engaging and informative. They say it's worth purchasing and a must-read for young adults.
"The book does not disappoint, of course dependent upon your expectation(s) of this author and the life and legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall...." Read more
"...It's simply amazing reading about this man's will and determination through such adversity...." Read more
"Excellent book. I learned a lot about Thurgood Marshall. An amazing person, an outstanding attorney and impressive Supreme Court Justice...." Read more
"...He learned a lot about black history. Best book." Read more
Customers find the book informative and well-researched. They say it's a good read for history buffs and those curious about the subject. The book is detailed and inspiring, providing facts and supporting evidence.
"...I was pleasantly surprised to find this work well researched and well written. Kudos to the author - I am surprised it did not win more awards." Read more
"...It is a good read for history buffs as well as just people who are curious about civil rights in the late 19th and 20th centuries," Read more
"...It's simply amazing reading about this man's will and determination through such adversity...." Read more
"...He learned a lot about black history. Best book." Read more
Customers find the biography informative and engaging. It details Thurgood Marshall's life and accomplishments. They describe him as one of America's greatest lawyers and judges. The book provides more details about his life than they would have expected.
"...Nonetheless, from what I could find, this was the most promising biography of TM, about whom I wanted to learn more...." Read more
"...This book is a well written bio about a towering and all too human leader and elite lawyer and judge...." Read more
"This book possesses tons of leadership qualities displayed in it...." Read more
"Excellent book. I learned a lot about Thurgood Marshall. An amazing person, an outstanding attorney and impressive Supreme Court Justice...." Read more
Customers find the writing style informative and readable. They appreciate the author's ability to speak out against bias and discrimination.
"...I was pleasantly surprised to find this work well researched and well written. Kudos to the author - I am surprised it did not win more awards." Read more
"...This book is a well written bio about a towering and all too human leader and elite lawyer and judge...." Read more
"...Mr. Williams, in a very interesting easy writing style, makes it easy to navigate his book, making it very difficult to put it down...." Read more
"Great book! Very well written and nuanced...." Read more
Customers find the book well-researched and nuanced.
"I loved this intimate look at the emerging history of our 20th century nation...." Read more
"Great book! Very well written and nuanced...." Read more
"Well Researched Look at Civil Rights Movement..." Read more
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2020As a non-fan of the author from his TV commentary, I was expecting to find this book thinly written and likely hagiographical. Nonetheless, from what I could find, this was the most promising biography of TM, about whom I wanted to learn more. I was pleasantly surprised to find this work well researched and well written. Kudos to the author - I am surprised it did not win more awards.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2023The book does not disappoint, of course dependent upon your expectation(s) of this author and the life and legacy of Justice Thurgood Marshall. I appreciate the author providing an in-depth view of Justice Marshall's young home life, his family's struggle (especially his father); how his father tutored him by pushing him to argue and taking him to live court sessions, and the struggles of Thurgood as a mere mortal with captivations and challenges. The author put me in the throws of Marshall's life during that era...Thank You!
- Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2018All I knew before I read this book were his two major civil rights cases. This book is a well written bio about a towering and all too human leader and elite lawyer and judge. I learned many things about the times and culture of race, black and white, as well as other minorities. It is a good read for history buffs as well as just people who are curious about civil rights in the late 19th and 20th centuries,
- Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2012This book possesses tons of leadership qualities displayed in it. Even though its basically a biography, it still has that affect to capture your attention in the first few chapters, mainly being able to relate to him growing up, in a way. Throughout the book you can slowly see how this kind of goof off boy with no direction turns into a man and becomes a leader and inevitability becomes the face of the Civil Rights Movement. It's simply amazing reading about this man's will and determination through such adversity. If your looking for something inspirational, Thurgood Marshall American Revolutionary is definitely your book to read.
- Reviewed in the United States on July 17, 2024Book was received in its described fashion and on time.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 20, 2018Excellent book. I learned a lot about Thurgood Marshall. An amazing person, an outstanding attorney and impressive Supreme Court Justice. Mr. Williams, in a very interesting easy writing style, makes it easy to navigate his book, making it very difficult to put it down. Enjoyed it a lot.
- Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2021I bought this book for my nine year old son hood report. He learned a lot about black history. Best book.
- Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2009Although an informative book, Juan Williams' Thurgood Marshall is an all too common example of a biography where the strength of the subject is forced to shine through weak writing. It is unfortunate that publishers allow the prominence of radio hosts and television pundits almost free reign to chronicle the lives of important historical figures knowing full well that the combination of names will often outweigh the quality of the book.
In this case, Thurgood Marshall is not done justice by Williams. However, considering there are almost no viable alternatives for anyone researching the life of one of the most powerful black man in American history, we must make due.
The chapter on the Justice's political maneuvering - Machiavellian Marshall - is particularly strong and interesting. The period after Marshall graduated from law school but before becoming lead counsel for the NAACP is also a crucial look at the formative part of his legal education. Those, I'm sad to say, are the only parts that really dive into what makes Marshall tick. The reader would be better served by more of them.
American Revolutionary is by no means a fluff piece or a poorly written work. It is however fairly shallow and not the substantive biography that Marshall (and the public) deserve.
Top reviews from other countries
- Paul GleitmanReviewed in Canada on September 27, 2018
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book.
Excellent book.
Bought it for knowledge.
- PangReviewed in Australia on January 2, 2021
5.0 out of 5 stars Thurgood
Apart from the interesting content of Thurgood's lifestory, the book itself is quite handy and easy to transport.
- CDMReviewed in the United Kingdom on July 26, 2013
5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic
Brilliant book, an absolute essential for anyone undertaking a historical evaluation of either African American Civil Rights, The US Supreme Court or Thurgood Marshall himself. This book was also extremely interesting in a non-academic capacity as well.
- R HelenReviewed in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2015
4.0 out of 5 stars The greatest civil rights leader of the twentieth century
After reading "Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary," it is hard not to think that Thurgood Marshall was the most important civil rights leader of the twentieth century. He isn't as well known as the more famous and romantic personalities of Martin Luther King Jr and Malcolm X, but he did more to change the average life of black Americans than either of the other two. And as a Supreme Court Justice, he not only advanced the lives of Black Americans but of all minorities too. This book convinced me that a slow and steady attack at the injustices of American life through the courtroom by changing American laws has a far greater impact on people's lives than mass protests and calls for revolution. It is very inspiring book and gives credit to the law profession.
I found the debate about integration vs segregation especially interesting. Marshall wholeheartedly believed that the only way to achieve true equality was through complete integration in schools and society. Ironically, many black leaders today argue the opposite; that Black Americans should focus on themselves, in their own communities, their own schools, and on their own culture. I'm not sure which is better, and the debate continues, but it is an important aspect of this book and to understanding Thurgood Marshall and race relations today.
The narrative focuses mainly on his law career and the many advances in civil rights law that he helped force, so his private life is not given much attention. The author, of course, mentions his drinking issues and his infidelities, but they are not elaborated upon and so the personal side of Thurgood Marshall is not explored. This is most likely because those closest to him refused to cooperate with the author. Too bad really, because this is a very commendable book. It would have been nice, however, to have had more details on the many cases he fought; especially Brown vs the Board of Education. The author supposes that the reader is thoroughly familiar with this case, so key details are left out, personalities are not discussed, etc...the focus is on the courtroom battle itself and its aftermath. More detail would have enhanced the book greatly. This is also true for the episode of desegregation in Arkansas, and many other courtroom battles.
That said, I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in race relations in America today.