Trials of Rumpole

Though it is the second in the series, this was my first Rumpole. I was charmed, and I fully enjoyed it. Rumpole is an aging, cantankerous barrister. He specializes in defense in seemingly hopeless cases. His domineering wife, Hilda, is "she who must be obeyed." Amidst a cast of thoroughly quirky, thoroughly English characters, Rumpole proceeds in his goal of protecting the notion of innocent until proven guilty, and upholding the importance of the jury. Rumpole's (a.k.a. Mortimer's) use of language is fabulous, calling the court the "palais de justice," describing himself in the third person at just the right time. This volume sees Rumpole sorting out a group of actors, defending a schoolteacher accused of leading on a student, and show more fighting his family as they try and get him to retire. show less

Fun reading. I'd never seen the series on PBS, but having seen pics of the actor i had an idea in my head of what the books must be like and they didn't seem that appealing. I read this one on a whim and enjoyed it a lot.

Rumpole is indelibly associated with the late lamented Leo McKern's wonderful portrayal of the character in the long running TV series. This a rare case where the TV image and echo of McKern's voice enhance the experience of reading these droll and entertaining stories.

very good rumpole stories. listened to on tape

Book 3

From ... Rumpole of the Bailey, second season.

Already included in the Rumpole omnibus. From y mother's collection.