Scalia: Rise to Greatness, 1936 to 1986

James Rosen’s biography of Justice Antonin Scalia is one of the best biographies I have ever read. It is well-written, easy to follow, and filled with insights into Scalia’s life and legal career. Rosen’s storytelling makes a complex subject accessible to all readers. The book covers Scalia’s journey from his early life to his role on the Supreme Court, highlighting the key events and decisions that shaped his career. Rosen explains Scalia’s originalist legal philosophy in clear and simple terms, making it easy for readers unfamiliar with constitutional law to understand. The author’s ability to explain Scalia’s ideas without overwhelming the reader is a major strength of this biography. One of the book’s best features is its portrayal of Scalia’s intellectual brilliance. Through stories about important court cases and analysis of Scalia’s opinions, Rosen shows how committed Scalia was to his principles. Scalia’s belief in textualism and originalism wasn’t just a legal theory—it was a deeply personal mission to uphold the Constitution’s original meaning. The book also shows how Scalia’s strong beliefs sometimes put him at odds with other justices, but earned him respect for his consistency and intellect. Rosen also explores Scalia’s personal life, giving readers a look at the man behind the judge. He shares stories about Scalia’s upbringing in an Italian-American family, his deep Catholic faith, and his role as a devoted husband and father of nine children. These details make Scalia feel like a real person, not just a famous figure. The biography is balanced and fair. While Rosen clearly admires Scalia, he does not ignore the controversies surrounding him. The book discusses criticisms of Scalia’s sharp tone and the divisions his opinions sometimes caused. Even so, Rosen treats these issues with respect, allowing readers to decide for themselves what to think of Scalia’s legacy. James Rosen’s biography of Justice Scalia is an excellent and engaging read. It provides a complete picture of Scalia’s life and career and is perfect for anyone who wants to understand his impact on American law and society.

Hop in! You are about to embark on an informative tour through the first 50 years in the life of one of the most intriguing individuals ever to rise to the Supreme Court of the United States, Antonin Scalia. Your guide is James Rosen, an excellent reporter, and historian. Nota Bene: This is no "Drive By" biography. It's a well planned road trip through the first 50 years of the life of Justice Scalia. Rosen's gift for crisp phrasing, combined with exhaustive research, is evident throughout this book. It's replete with never before published material, including Scalia family photos of the early years. You might chuckle a little at several memos Rosen unearthed that passed between Ruth Bader Ginsberg (RBG, she who donned her severe black "dissent collar" on the election of Trump to office) and Scalia earlier in their legal careers. An illuminating quote from the book, delivered by Justice Scalia's father, Sam, speaking to "Nino", highlights (in my mind) the foundation of Scalia's career "Son, brains are like muscles. You can rent them by the hour. The only thing that's not for sale is character." It seems to be the "Golden Thread" running throughout Scalia's life and work. This book is a must read for anyone interested in the Supreme Court, the Reagan years, or anyone who simply enjoys reading a well written story. Eagerly awaiting the second volume; wondering if Rosen might include the story of Scalia's DC traffic ticket... Edit: It's replete

I’ve read several books by or about Antonin Scalia, whom I admire. This is by far the best biographical work on the late justice so far, and is likely to be definitive. I can’t wait for volume two! Author James Rosen understands and respects the overwhelming influence of Scalia’s Catholic faith on his life and career, in a way that other writers have either failed to acknowledge or look upon with suspicion. I’m a generation younger than the late justice, but as an Irish guy from Queens who also went to Catholic schools, Rosen “gets” that outer borough ethnic and parochial milieu in a way few outsiders have captured with accuracy and sympathy. Among the most interesting things in the book, to me, are the close examinations of Scalia as an associate at the Jones Day law firm, as a professor, and especially as a political appointee in the Ford administration. I had no idea how closely Scalia was involved in efforts regarding oversight and reform of the Intelligence Community when he was an assistant attorney general in the mid-1970s. This put into better context for me some of Scalia’s opinions on national security law matters. Finally, I only encountered the justice twice: once when he gave a talk on the Constitution at my college, and again at a moot court tournament he judged at my law school. But in my view, Rosen captures the powerful impression the great man’s generosity, intellect and personality made on those who met him, including young students like me who came to revere him. Be sure to read this book, and be on the lookout for its conclusion. I enjoyed Rosen’s books about William Buckley, Dick Cheney, and John Mitchell as well.

If I could give this book 100 stars I would! The best biography about the all time great Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia!!! Takes the reader from the early years of his life throughout his life . It shows his genius, wonderful sense of humor, warmth and compassion if his heart. Read it!!