Without Precedent: Chief Justice John Marshall and His Times

Paul (law, Univ. of California, Hastings Coll. of the Law; Unlikely Allies) teaches constitutional and international law, but his passion for history renders this book particularly unique and informative. As promised in the subtitle, this biography portrays Founding Father and Supreme Court Chief Justice John Marshall (1755–1835) in historical context. Consequently, Marshall's career as a jurist is but a portion of his life, and here readers gain a larger understanding of the man who played a fundamental role in the formation and early history of our country as well as his myriad roles as soldier, lawyer, politician, statesman, jurist, and husband. Beginning with Marshall's service under General Washington at Valley Forge during the Revolutionary War and delving into every major facet of his life and career, this eminently readable book provides a comprehensive exploration of Marshall and the culture surrounding him. In addition, Paul explicates Marshall's major decisions as chief justice, so landmark opinions such as Marbury v. Madison and McCulloch v. Maryland receive appropriate attention and analysis.