Disappointing, because the most excellent PBS series "Rumpole of the Bailey" was so much more entertaining than the writing here, which is admittedly good. The subject lends itself better to drama.

Add a star or two if you haven't seen the television series, or if you are a novice to the legal system and are interested in learning (mostly criminal, not civil, law). Of course, Rumpole practices in the British system, but it is similar (as father) to that of the US in fundamental principles and many details. And the British legal profession is rather differently organized at the lower levels. For example, it seems that solicitors are lawyers who initiate legal cases, and barristers like Rumpole are lawyers who work in the courtroom. I'm against it, but so it is.

Mortimer captures well the various foibles of his characters on both sides of the law, mostly lawyers, judges and petty criminals. And of his wife Hilda, She Who Must Be Obeyed.

The Rumpole of the TV series, the late Leo McKern, was the perfect Rumpole. The remaining cast was wonderful also. Apparently the BBC made 42 episodes, but I don't recall that PBS ran that many. Netflix has them. Recommended easily over the books. ( )

Horace Rumpole presents himself as just an Old Bailey hack doing run-of-the-mill burglary defenses and the odd car-heist case. In reality he defends the best in the Anglo-American legal traditions against modern forces (for example, the presumption of innocence) - and this was written 20+ years ago!

Rumpole is the lovable defender of the average man and foe to all stick-in-the-muds. His motto "Never plead guilty." It could just as well be comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. Hilarious, warm, human, touching, self-effacing and ever-ready to pierce the pompous gasbag - that's Rumpole of the Bailey. Start with the First Rumpole Omnibus and work your way through the rest.

As an American lawyer, I wish someone would create an American legal hero to match Rumpole.

Guaranteed to tickle your funny bone and warm your heart. ( )