An Affair with Freedom: A Collection of His Opinions and Speeches Drawn from His First Decade as a United States Supreme Court Justice

New York: Atheneum, 1967. First Edition. Hardcover. Near fine/Very good. Brennan (1904-1997) was an associate justice of the Supreme Court from 1956 to 1990 (when he had the good sense to retire). Brennan was a key member of the liberal wing of the court and two of his early, still influential decisions, are included here: Baker v. Carr (1962), on the reapportionment of legislative districts, and New York Times v. Sullivan (1964), which set the standard of "actual malice" for libel suits brought by public figures.

This collection, the only book Brennan published of his opinions, was selected and edited, with an introduction and notes, by Stephen J. Friedman. Arthur J. Goldberg wrote the foreword.

xv, [1], 384, [1] pages. First edition (stated). A near fine copy in a near fine dust jacket (with the original, rather expensive price of $10 preserved on the jacket flap). There is a short tear and snag along the top edge of the jacket, keeping this from being fine. This copy is Inscribed by Brennan, and a typed letter, signed, from Brennan to the recipient is affixed to the rear endpaper. The inscription read, "To J. Owen Grundy, City Historian of Jersey City, with cordial personal regards. Sincerely Wm J Brannan, Jr. 1/13/76." The letter corrects a factual matter regarding members of his former law firm and also transmits a signed copy of this book. Brennan was a New Jersey native.

Books signed by Brennan are uncommon.