The Best of Rumpole: Chosen By the Author [Paperback]

John Mortimer (Author)

Book Description

Series: Rumpole | Publication Date: November 1, 1994

Rumpole is everyone's favorite defense barrister: he is a fearless tamer of judges who is kept in order only by She Who Must Be Obeyed. A rumbustious defender of the faith, Rumpole is known, not surprisingly, as something of a character. His exploits at the Old Bailey - and elsewhere - are an unsurpassable blend of eloquence, wit, cynicism, and experience. This volume of John Mortimer's favorite Rumpole stories contains some of the bluff barrister's finest moments. There is Rumpole's encounter with the acting world, his frequent and often disillusioning brushes with the Timsons, and many of his confrontations with the pompous and sometimes misguided gentlemen of the Bench. For those unfamiliar with Rumpole, this volume offers a perfect introduction to John Mortimer's wisest and wittiest creation. Those who have already encountered Rumpole will want to reacquaint themselves with the immortal barrister in this hugely entertaining collection of stories.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (November 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140176845
• ISBN-13: 978-0140176841
• Product Dimensions: 7.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,075,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A touch of wry British humour, and starkly genuine.., June 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Best of Rumpole: Chosen By the Author (Paperback)

Mortimer paints a realistic picture of life in a barristers' chambers, but lightens the solemn and sombre mood with the playful descriptions of the characters to whom you will become strongly attached in time.

Even though for one who does not hail from an English background, it was relatively easy to comprehend the sarcasm and ironies aimed at the empty follies of the English legal practioners, which Mortimer portrays through the thoughts and words of Horace Rumpole. Rumpole is a good sort, who seems often the underdog, but deep down he is the barrister who would be the champion for the unjust.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sampler of great stories, March 14, 2002

By 

R. Riis "rriis" (NY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Best of Rumpole: Chosen By the Author (Paperback)

Well, yes, a strong case could be made that these stories represent the Best of Rumpole, although Rumpolemaniacs must argue for a few omitted cases, but, great as these stories are - and they are engaging, clever, funny, satisfying - I don't know what the purpose of this sampler is meant to be. To introduce Rumpole to a prospective reader I would start with The First Rumpole Omnibus. It addds much to the pleasure of reading Rumpole to get to know him as he develops over the course of the original stories. On the other hand, this makes a terrific airplane or travel read, even for those who've read them all before (Rumpole is one of those characters that not only holds up well read after read but actually improves with familiarity).

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Any of the Rumpole books could be on a '10 Best' List, March 13, 2000

By 

Frank Cunat - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Best of Rumpole: Chosen By the Author (Paperback)

If you were introduced, as I was, to the Rumpole character through the excellent PBS series, there's a treat in store for you. John Mortimer's Rumpole stories are almost too good to be true; they're witty, humorous, and can be enjoyed as examples of good writing in addition to being well-plotted mysteries. They're one of the few mystery series which don't lose enjoyment even after you've seen the film adaptations. My favorite Rumpoles are probably Rumpole a la Carte and Rumpole on Trial; this "Best of" compilation features stories, chosen by Mortimer, from several different eras, including Rumpole's very first appearance. The book is a good way to get acquainted with Rumpole, and it also makes a great gift.

The only possible downside is that, after reading the Rumpole stories, you may think that Mortimer's other fiction doesn't *quite* measure up. Here's hoping he decides to bring back Rumpole!