Generations of law students have been raised on his inspiring dissents. His book, THE COMMON LAW, still in print after 100 years, dominates the history of legal thought in America. He is still one of the best known justices of the Supreme Court ... yet until now there has been no biography of Oliver Wendall Holmes. Born into mid-19th century Boston society, Holmes grew up knowing everyone. As a young man, he fought in the Civil War and was seriously wounded. He recovered and returned from the war to practice law and teach at Harvard Law School before his appointment to the bench. Holmes was always contrary. In the hysteria surrounding WW I, he stood firm for free speech. Later, bucking the tide of public opinion, he refused to uphold the voting of Southern blacks. - Publisher.