Settled Out of Court [Paperback]

Henry Cecil (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

'Portrait of a Judge' is the first fascinating story in this collection of short stories based on all matters legal. Written with cracking pace and full of unexpected twists, paradoxes and subtleties the book will have you riveted to the very last page.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'An ingenious mixture of law and fantasy -- Punch

About the Author

Henry Cecil, known to many as His Honour Judge H.C. Leon, MC, was a High Court judge as well as a famous author. He wrote during the three-week-long family holidays which were usually spent in comfortable hotels in Britain. He would sit in a deck chair in a sunny garden, exercise book on lap and pen in hand, writing from 10 am to 1pm, then again from 2.30 to 4 pm each day. His writing career is attributed to his Second World War experiences. Sailing around the Cape on a 'dry' troop ship on the way to Cairo, the colonel asked his adjutant (Cecil) to tell stories to keep the officers' minds off alcohol. The stories were so popular that they became a regular feature, and formed the basis of his first collection, 'Full Circle', published in 1948. Thereafter, the legal year, his impressions at court, or at other official functions, as well as dinners at the Savoy Grill or at his club, the Garrick, all provided material for his considerable brain power. Many of his stories were made into films or plays - notably 'Brothers-in-Law' and 'Alibi for a Judge'. These and other books have also provided a stimulus for those wishing to take up law as a career. They are a delight for those who look for authenticity in the most aptly described British characters. Cecil died in May 1976, still at the height of his mental powers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 214 pages
• Publisher: House of Stratus (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1842320637
• ISBN-13: 978-1842320631
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,852,941 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Settled Out of Court, April 25, 2000

By 

Libri Mundi "Libri Mundi" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Settled Out of Court (Library of Crime Classics) (Paperback)

Like all other Cecil's book this one is also helps you to laugh to your hearts content. His writting is so British that you can almost smell it. I will not call it "wit" rather "pan" would be the perfect word. Still he does not forget to give the O Henry type twist at the end which makes the book more enjoyable. Once you start reading it you will finish it.