A Documentary Companion to a Civil Action : Book Review

"A Documentary Companion to a Civil Action" by Lewis A. Grossman is a comprehensive supplement to Jonathan Harr's non-fiction book "A Civil Action." Grossman's work offers readers a closer look at the real-life legal case depicted in Harr's book by providing a collection of primary documents such as court transcripts, depositions, and expert reports. The author's intention is to provide readers with a deeper understanding of the complex legal proceedings and the multitude of individuals involved in the Woburn toxic tort litigation.

Grossman begins by providing readers with a thorough introduction to the case, offering the necessary background information needed to comprehend its significance. He then presents the primary documents, meticulously chosen to highlight the most crucial aspects of the case. Accompanying these documents is insightful commentary from Grossman, helping readers interpret their significance and comprehend their role in the legal proceedings.

One notable aspect of Grossman's book is its inclusion of documents not available to Harr during the writing of "A Civil Action." This allows readers to gain a more complete and comprehensive picture of the case. The multiple perspectives provided in the book, including those of the plaintiffs, defendants, and expert witnesses, enable readers to form their own opinions and develop a well-rounded understanding of the events.

Grossman's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers, even those without a legal background, to immerse themselves in the case. The carefully selected documents and insightful commentary contribute to a better understanding of the legal proceedings. This makes it a valuable resource for students, scholars, and anyone interested in the legal system and environmental justice.

In conclusion, "A Documentary Companion to a Civil Action" is a must-read for fans of "A Civil Action" who desire a deeper exploration of the real-life case. Grossman's compilation of primary documents and his expert analysis provides readers with a unique opportunity to delve into the complexities of the legal system while gaining a deeper understanding of the events portrayed in Harr's book. This companion book offers a valuable resource that enhances the reading experience and brings the case to life.

What are readers saying?

A Documentary Companion to A Civil Action by Lewis A. Grossman is a highly acclaimed book that offers additional material for the popular non-fiction book, A Civil Action, written by Jonathan Harr.

Critics unanimously praised Grossman for providing a comprehensive and well-organized collection of documents that enhance the understanding of the legal case presented in A Civil Action. They found the book to be an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the legal aspects of the Woburn toxic waste trial. The inclusion of court documents, depositions, and correspondence between the involved parties was particularly appreciated.

Readers also found Grossman's analysis and commentary on the documents to be enlightening. His explanations were considered clear and insightful, which helped in grasping the complex legal issues at hand. Many reviewers found that Grossman's expertise as a legal scholar greatly contributed to their understanding and appreciation of the documents.

The accessibility of the book was another aspect that received positive feedback. The inclusion of explanatory footnotes and annotations made the material more approachable, especially for readers with limited legal knowledge. This feature was particularly helpful in understanding technical or ambiguous language used in the documents.

While the majority of reviews were highly positive, there were a few readers who felt that the book was too technical or dense. They found it challenging to fully comprehend the material due to the legal jargon used in the documents and Grossman's commentary. However, these readers acknowledged that the complexity of the subject matter was inherent to the nature of the topic and did not significantly diminish their overall appreciation of the book.

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