Subject
Judges -- Fiction Books
Best books
Robert Louis Stevenson
Weir of Hermiston: An Unfinished Romance
"Weir of Hermiston: An Unfinished Romance" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a novel written in 1896. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, it tells the story of Archie Weir, a sensitive young man estranged from his cruel father, a criminal court judge. Banished to the family estate near Hermiston, Archie falls in love with a young woman named Kirstie. The novel breaks off abruptly due to Stevenson's sudden death, leaving readers with a tantalizing fragment of what many consider his most mature work.
Robert Louis Stevenson
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 19
"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 19" by Stevenson et al. is a collection of literature likely assembled in the early 20th century. This volume includes two major works: "The Ebb-Tide," a tale exploring themes of disillusionment and moral ambiguity through the experiences of its characters, and "Weir of Hermiston," which examines familial relationships and societal expectations. The narrative is set against the backdrop of the South Pacific, populated by various characters who navigate both physical and emotional turmoil. At the start of "The Ebb-Tide," the story unfolds on a beach in Papeete, where three outcasts, Robert Herrick, an American called Brown, and a clerk known as Huish, find themselves united by their shared hardship. Each man bears the weight of their past failures and struggles with their current desolate circumstances, characterized by hunger, cold, and a sense of moral defeat. The opening pages vividly depict their plight, establishing a tone of melancholy and desperation, as they contemplate the depths of their fall from grace and their yearning for redemption or escape, leading to discussions about their pasts and dreams of a different life.
Opie Percival Read
Judge Elbridge
"Judge Elbridge" by Opie Percival Read is a novel written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around the life of John Elbridge, a retired judge who has taken in the children of a deceased law partner, while navigating the complexities of family dynamics and moral dilemmas. Central to the narrative are Elbridge's son, Howard, and his foster siblings, as well as various other characters whose motivations become intertwined with the judge's past decisions. The opening of the novel introduces us to John Elbridge, a respected judge now reflecting on his life and past choices following his retirement. The narrative paints a picture of old Chicago, detailing his partnership with the orator Bodney and hints at tumultuous relationships within the family unit, particularly the tension surrounding Howard’s aspirations and the influence of a friend named Goyle. As the plot unfolds, we witness Bodney struggling with moral corruption and a conspiracy involving stolen money that comes to a head with profound implications for Howard, leading to deep secrets and strained relationships. The stage is set for a dramatic exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for redemption amid the complexities of familial love.
Irvin S. (Irvin Shrewsbury) Cobb
The Escape of Mr. Trimm His Plight and other Plights
"The Escape of Mr. Trimm" by Irvin S. Cobb is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Hobart W. Trimm, a convicted banker who is set to serve a lengthy prison sentence after the collapse of the Thirteenth National Bank. The narrative explores Trimm's experiences as he tries to navigate the humiliation of his situation and ultimately seek a form of escape from the "grips of the law," leading readers into a tale of desperation and ingenuity. The opening of the book details Mr. Trimm's transition from his former life of wealth and power to being handcuffed and escorted on a train to prison. His feelings of detachment and disdain for his situation are evident as he recalls his social standing and the media's portrayal of him throughout the trial and sentencing. As he embarks on this journey, he is determined to maintain his dignity, but chaotic events unfold, particularly when a train collision occurs, leading to his unexpected freedom. After the train wreck, Trimm finds himself alone in the woods, considering the possibility of escaping the justice system entirely, even as he battles the physical constraints of handcuffs that symbolize his fall from grace.
E. Oe. (Edith Oenone) Somerville
In Mr. Knox's Country
"In Mr. Knox's Country" by E. Oe. Somerville and Martin Ross is a novel written in the early 20th century. The book presents a humorous depiction of rural life in Ireland, particularly focusing on the eccentricities of the characters residing in and around Aussolas, particularly Flurry Knox and his formidable grandmother, Mrs. Knox. The narrative likely explores the interactions between the local gentry and the tenants, alongside the humorous undertones of fox-hunting, social customs, and family dynamics. At the start of the story, we are introduced to Flurry Knox and his companion as they embark on a journey to meet David Courtney. Their venture unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of the Irish countryside, characterized by its hills and vibrant scenery. Flurry’s whimsical encounters with various characters, including the mysterious "Kitty the Shakes," hint at the quirky social fabric of the area. As they seek out Courtney, the narrative shifts to the quirks of family life at Aussolas, with Mrs. Knox's domineering presence shaping the dynamics as tensions regarding her health and her relationships with guests begin to surface. The opening sets the stage for an exploration of rural Irish culture, infused with humor and nostalgia.
Frank Riley
The Cyber and Justice Holmes
"The Cyber and Justice Holmes" by Frank Riley is a science fiction narrative composed in the mid-20th century. The story explores the implications of technology in the judicial system, particularly the concept of "Cyber justice," wherein human judges are replaced by cybernetic units that deliver decisions devoid of human error and emotion. The book delves into the themes of humanity, justice, and the potential consequences of relying too heavily on machines for moral and legal judgments. The plot centers around Judge Walhfred Anderson, an 86-year-old jurist grappling with the threat of being replaced by a Cyber judge. He presides over a case involving Professor Neustadt, who stands accused of fraud and claims to be able to out-perform a Cyber in answering legal questions. As the trial unfolds, the Professor challenges a Cyber unit to a competition of sorts, using the opportunity to argue for the irreplaceable value of human imagination and emotional understanding in the pursuit of justice. Ultimately, the Professor’s victory over the machine serves as a metaphor for the enduring essence of human creativity and dreaming, asserting that while technology can assist, it should never replace the human spirit in legal and moral matters.
Karl Emil Franzos
The Chief Justice: A Novel
"The Chief Justice: A Novel" by Karl Emil Franzos is a fictional work likely written in the late 19th century. The story revolves around Charles Victor, Baron von Sendlingen, a dedicated Chief Justice in a northern Austrian town grappling with complex moral dilemmas that challenge the core tenets of justice and personal honor. The narrative delves into themes of duty, family legacy, and the struggle against both external societal expectations and internal conflicts. At the start of the novel, readers are introduced to Baron von Sendlingen, a man caught in a tumultuous emotional landscape. The Chief Justice is a respected figure within the judicial system, but his world is shattered as he discovers that a defendant in an upcoming trial is none other than his illegitimate daughter, Victorine Lippert. Haunted by his past decisions and the weight of his responsibilities, Sendlingen wrestles with the ramifications of his relationship with her, facing the challenge of upholding justice while harboring deep personal stakes. His reverent commitment to the law becomes increasingly complicated as he contemplates the possibilities of saving Victorine from the death penalty and grappling with the question of whether familial bonds outweigh his duty as a judge.
Stuart Martin
Only seven were hanged
"Only Seven Were Hanged" by Stuart Martin is a crime novel written in the early 20th century. Framed as a sharp debate over capital punishment, it follows a Criminal Court judge and a mysterious waiter inside the exclusive Clue Club as they trade real-case narratives to test whether death sentences can ever be just. The stories unfold as dueling proofs, blending courtroom logic, moral philosophy, and twist-laden crime tales. The opening sets the scene on Christmas Eve at the Clue Club, where the chairman-judge presides and a substitute waiter quietly subverts proceedings. After the club affirms its support for capital punishment, the waiter interrupts, drugs the members into unconsciousness, and challenges the judge: for each case the judge proves deserving of death, one member will be revived; for each unjust case, one remains under. The judge first cites the chilling murder by Ammar Baddan, a Tamil who calmly admits killing an innkeeper; the waiter counters with an honor-and-religion motive that recasts the act within a different code. The waiter’s own case follows: he argues that John Davis, hanged for drowning his former partner Lorry Black, was framed—then reveals he is Black, alive, having staged his “death.” The judge, shaken but resolute, begins a second example about Abe Lammie, a ruthless burglar dubbed “The Mole,” as the duel of stories—and stakes—intensifies.
Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews
The Lifted Bandage
"The Lifted Bandage" by Mary Raymond Shipman Andrews is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the themes of despair, hope, and the struggle to reconcile personal beliefs in the face of tragic circumstances. It delves into the emotional turmoil of a father whose son is accused of murder and the impact of this accusation on his own state of mind. The narrative unfolds primarily in a single setting, focusing on Judge John and his relationship with his nephew, Dick. Following the coroner’s verdict that Richard, known as Master Jack, is a murderer, the judge grapples with overwhelming grief and hopelessness. In a poignant conversation, Dick attempts to persuade his uncle to see Jack's inherent goodness and potential innocence amid the damning evidence. Eventually, in a moment of deep personal crisis, the judge experiences a transformative spiritual revelation that profoundly alters his perspective on life and death, filling him with newfound joy. As the story culminates, it is revealed that a letter from Jack clears his name, yet the judge’s newfound understanding leaves readers questioning the boundaries of belief and reality. The novel eloquently explores themes of loss, faith, and the complexities of human experience in the face of tragedy.
Recently surfaced classics