A People's History of the Supreme Court

　　Presenting a sophisticated narrative historyof the Supreme Court, Irons (The Courage of Their Convictions,etc.) illustrates the beguiling legacy left by the Constitution'sframers, who conjured up the high Court without providing aninstruction manual. Irons is clear about where his ideologicalsympathy lies, calling Justice William Brennan "my judicial idealand inspiration" and quoting Brennan's famous formulation that "thegenius of the Constitution" rests in "the adaptability of its greatprinciples to cope with current problems and current needs." Ironstraces the development of the Court's peculiar institutionalworkings from its first proceedings under Chief Justice John Jay tothe struggle for individual liberties during the successive Warren,Burger and Rehnquist Courts. In characterizing the Court as abastion of racism, classism and sexism prior to Earl Warren'sascendancy, he often tends to use extended arguments when quickjabs would suffice. But as he delves into the personalities oflitigants, justices and senators (who, as far back as 1831, foughtfiercely over the confirmations of Supreme Court nominees), Ironsproves himself a master of American legal and political history. Heis particularly lucid when recounting how Reconstruction reforms,such as the Fourteenth Amendment, that were intended to ensure theliberties of individuals were co-opted by the Gilded Age Court toprotect the liberties of business. Irons combines careful researchwith a populist passion. In doing so, he breathes abundant lifeinto old documents and reminds readers that today's fiercestarguments about rights are the continuation of the endless Americanconversation