Author
Clarence Darrow
1857-1938
Clarence Darrow (1857-1938) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by Clarence Darrow
An eye for an eye
"An Eye for an Eye" by Clarence Darrow is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Hank Clery, a switchman in Chicago who visits his old friend, Jim Jackson, in jail as he faces execution for the murder of his wife. Through Hank’s perspective, the narrative explores themes of social justice, poverty, and the circumstances that lead individuals to crime. At the start of the novel, Hank is on his way to the county jail, filled with nervousness and apprehension about visiting Jim, who is set to be hanged for the murder of his wife. Despite his previous association with Jim as a loyal friend, Hank grapples with the reality of Jim's crime, reflecting on their shared past. Once at the jail, Hank encounters a cruel and indifferent system, observing families waiting in despair to see their loved ones, all while he prepares to support Jim in his final moments. The opening effectively sets the stage for a deeper exploration of guilt, morality, and the socio-economic forces that shape human behavior.
Crime: Its Cause and Treatment
"Crime: Its Cause and Treatment" by Clarence Darrow is a scientific publication written in the early 20th century during a time of great social reflection on justice and reform. The book delves into the complexities surrounding crime, exploring its causes through the lenses of biology, psychology, and social environment. Darrow seeks to shift the conceptual understanding of crime from a moral failing to a behavioral expression influenced by a myriad of factors. The opening of the text begins with a preface where Darrow outlines his extensive experience in the courtroom and introduces his mission to unravel the intricate dynamics of human behavior concerning crime. He emphasizes that traditional perspectives classify criminal acts as purely moral failures, overlooking the scientific principles of human conduct that suggest behavior is a function of environmental and hereditary influences. As an introductory exploration, he defines "crime" as actions forbidden by law rather than intrinsically evil acts, contending that societal norms shape legal definitions, and that punishment often stems from vengeance rather than reformation. This lays the groundwork for a deeper investigation into the societal and psychological mechanisms at play in criminal behavior, questioning the foundations of legal practices and moral judgments regarding those labeled as criminals.
A Persian Pearl, and Other Essays
"A Persian Pearl and Other Essays" by Clarence S. Darrow is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. The book explores philosophical themes, reflecting on the nature of existence, the human condition, and the work of celebrated poets such as Omar Khayyam and Walt Whitman. Darrow’s essays delve into timeless questions, seeking to unravel the complexities of life and humanity through a blend of literary analysis and philosophical inquiry. At the start of the collection, the essay "A Persian Pearl" introduces the reader to the reflections of Omar Khayyam, the Persian poet and philosopher. Darrow contemplates the enduring relevance of Khayyam's thoughts on uncertainty and the meaning of life, highlighting how they resonate with contemporary existential questions. He draws parallels between Khayyam’s philosophical musings found in the "Rubaiyat" and the modern pessimistic viewpoints, suggesting that the essence of human experience and the search for understanding are perpetual challenges that have traversed time. Through this opening, Darrow sets a tone of deep introspection and admiration for the idea that wisdom spans across ages and cultures, harkening to the universality of human thoughts and struggles.
Farmington
"Farmington" by Clarence Darrow is an autobiographical novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative explores the author's reflections on his childhood in a small town, focusing on themes of self-perception, memory, and the passage of time. The main character, John Smith, reflects on his personal experiences, his family dynamics, and his formative years in Farmington, Pennsylvania. The opening of the book introduces the narrator's deep introspection and candid exploration of his life. John Smith begins by claiming his story is centered around himself and is filled with personal impressions of his childhood. He describes the small town of Farmington, his familial relationships, and early school experiences, often interspersing humor with poignant insights about life, innocence, and the inevitable passage of time. He sets the stage for a reflective journey that delves into the intricacies of his past, all framed in a distinctive and often humorous voice that invites readers to engage with his narrative, even as he contemplates the ordinary nature of his life and experiences.
Industrial Conspiracies
"Industrial Conspiracies" by Clarence Darrow is a thought-provoking lecture delivered in the early 20th century, specifically in 1912. This work serves as a critical examination of the legal and societal implications surrounding labor and capitalist structures during that era. The primary focus of the book centers on the concept of industrial conspiracies, particularly how the law has historically been applied against working-class individuals and movements, while those in power frequently escape accountability. In this lecture, Darrow passionately argues that the laws governing labor and conspiracy are often skewed against workers, labeling their collective actions as conspiracies while allowing the wealthy and corporate entities to operate unchecked. He reflects on historical contexts, such as the enforcement of conspiracy laws in England and the application of the Sherman Anti-Trust Act in America, emphasizing how these have predominantly served the interests of capitalists rather than those of laborers. Throughout, he highlights the struggles of the working class, their efforts to organize, and the systemic hurdles they face from both legal institutions and economic structures, positing that true justice and equity can only emerge from a significant transformation of societal norms and processes.
Resist not evil
"Resist not evil" by Clarence Darrow is a political-philosophical treatise written in the early 20th century. It contends that states, armies, and courts are instruments of force, that punishment fails to reform or deter, and that non-resistance and humane solidarity offer the only rational path to social health. The opening of the treatise acknowledges Tolstoy’s influence and sets out a case for non-resistance by tracing the state’s origins to conquest and its modern continuity through armies, police, courts, and prisons. It argues that militarism burdens and brutalizes society, patriotism indoctrinates obedience, and standing armies chiefly exist to control domestic workers rather than repel foreign foes. Civil government is presented as militarism in disguise, enforcing property and class rule; punishment is portrayed as vengeance masquerading as justice, with shifting definitions of crime and arbitrary, harmful penalties. Early chapters attack deterrence—highlighting the brutalizing effect of public executions and the futility of prisons—and reframe crime as a social disease rooted in poverty, environment, and heredity, noting rises in “crime” in winter, hard times, and overcrowded old countries. They conclude that just judgment is impossible, proportional punishment cannot be measured, and state penalties multiply suffering by injuring families and communities, whereas food, opportunity, and kindness would address causes.