Customer Reviews

The Lion and the Throne: The Life and Times of Sir Edward Coke : 1552-1634

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One of the best books ever written about lawyers, judges and prosecutors. Anyone familier with the legal system will find that little has changed in 400 years. Catherine Bowen was a fine writer and an excellent "popular" historian. Her biography of Lord Coke not only describes a critical period in English history, but also illuminates the origins of the concepts of ordered liberty that eventually found their way into the US Constitution. Anyone interested in either law or Anglo/American history would enjoy this book.

The Anglosaxon/anglophone world, and indirectly, most of Europe and the "free world" circa 2006, owe the unquestioned primacy of ordered liberty more to Coke than to any other single individual. For, he was not only a mere academic proponent, interpreter and "codifier" of the "ancient" liberties of the realm, but stood his ground against the crown - against Elizabeth or against her successors, at great peril to his own estate and person. From the petition of right in 1628, arose the English Bill of Rights and eventually, the American Bill of Rights. Coke's majesty as an oracle of the law, lent awe and credence (to put it mildly) to his brazenly specious yet effective claims of many "ancient" liberties pre-dating the norman invasion itself. (i.e to the days of "ordeals").

From a layman's perspective ( I have no formal legal training) this is "popular" history rather than a scholarly narrative, though great research has obviously gone into this effort to keep it flowing effortlessly and simple/"popular".

If there is a complaint, its about the jarring theme running throughout the book - the relentless character assassination of Bacon. I wonder if recent research has somehwat alleviated his perceived treachery to Essex and his allegedly ingratiating, insinuating courtly ways to gain influence and power. This is no paen for Coke either; we get to see the shortcomings of Coke's own character, for e.g his outbursts during Raleigh's trial for treason.

Overall, a must-read for any lover of liberty; and a treat if you're an Anglophile.

I loved this book, both for its history of the period and its history of English Common Law, with Sir Edward's role in the formation of that Law. Couldn't put it down.

Coke was a major figure in Elizabethan and early Stuart England and a champion of the liberties that American has inherited from England's long struggle with feudal power. Bowen tells his story in a fluid, readable style and evokes the strangeness (to our minds) of Coke's England. The first detail that made me gasp was her description of Westminster Hall, where four major courts met (simultaneously in one big room). It had been built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror's son and was used for many purposes over the centuries -- in the mid-20th century, workmen found a tennis ball in the rafters.