V. Goliath: The Trials of David Boies

by Karen Donovan

Book Overview

A revelation of a superbly gifted lawyer--his ambition, judgment, and sense of justice--v. Goliath is also an illuminating examination of a profession that, increasingly, confuses ideals and... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0375421130
• ISBN13: 9780375421136
• Release Date: February 2005
• Publisher: Pantheon Books
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 1.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.6" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Thoroughly engaging

Karen Donovan's book is something of a biography, a Grisham novel, a history book, and a litigation primer all wrapped into one. (As a litigator, I'm actually thinking that some of the strategies related in the book would be helpful for me in court.) Thoroughly engaging and entertaining, Ms. Donovan has a great deal of respect for her subject's talents but is careful not to gloss over his significant flaws.

The Inside Scoop

In this insightful and yeomanly researched book, Karen Donovan paints a vivid picture of a man who has achieved iconic status among America's trial lawyers. Thanks to the access granted the author by David Boies, we get not only a ringside seat for some of the last decade's most high-profile trials, including, of course, the one that put the current occupant of the White House in office, but we're there for pre-trial strategy sessions and post-trial dinners as well. Throughout, Donovan maintains a keen-eyed objectivity and isn't afraid to deflate balloons of bravado when need be. All in all, it's a compelling read.

Author captures essence of multi tasking trial lawyer

Most of pieces of Boies border on idolatry. Donovan's work is special because although she clearly admires Boies and his work, she also points out his faults. The best reading in the book includes her digging behind the scenes to reveal what really happens in trials, settlements, and negotiations. While Boies is obviously one of the top trial lawyers in America, he often gets credit for things which are actually the result of other events. Donovan captures this wonderfully.