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Jeremy Hutchinson's Case Histories
- Narrated by: David Timson
- Length: 16 hrs and 25 mins
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Jeremy Hutchinson's Case Histories
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Summary
A compelling portrait of the time when freedom of speech and the need to throw off censorship came to the fore, told through its great trials, from Lady Chatterley's Lover to Howard Marks.
Born in 1915 into the fringes of the Bloomsbury Group, Jeremy Hutchinson went on to become the greatest criminal barrister of the 1960s, '70s and '80s. The cases of that period changed society forever, and Hutchinson's role in them was second to none.
In Case Histories Thomas Grant examines Jeremy Hutchinson's most remarkable trials, each one providing a fascinating look into Britain's postwar social, political, and cultural history.
Accessibly and entertainingly written, Case Histories provides a definitive account of Jeremy Hutchinson's life and work. From the sex and spying scandals which contributed to Harold Macmillan's resignation in 1963 and the subsequent fall of the Conservative government to the fight against literary censorship through his defence of Lady Chatterley's Lover and Fanny Hill, Hutchinson was involved in many of the great trials of the period.
He defended George Blake, Christine Keeler, Great Train robber Charlie Wilson, Kempton Bunton (the only man successfully to steal a picture from the National Gallery), art faker Tom Keating, and Howard Marks, who, in a sensational defence, was acquitted of charges relating to the largest importation of cannabis in British history.
He also prevented the suppression of Bernardo Bertolucci's notorious film Last Tango in Paris and did battle with Mary Whitehouse when she prosecuted the director of the play Romans in Britain.
Above all else Jeremy Hutchinson's career, both at the bar and later as a member of the House of Lords, has been one devoted to the preservation of individual liberty and to resisting the incursions of an overbearing state. Case Histories provides entertaining, vivid, and revealing insights into what was really going on in those celebrated courtroom dramas that defined an age as well as painting a picture of a remarkable life.
Critic reviews
"Jeremy was not just a good lawyer; he was fearless in standing up to judges. He was the most formidable advocate of the 1960s and '70s and he had a marvellous sense of mischief." (Geoffrey Robertson)
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What listeners say about Jeremy Hutchinson's Case Histories
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tom
- 06-02-17
Really Excellent
What did you like most about Jeremy Hutchinson's Case Histories?
I was amazed at how one man could have been involved in so many significant legal cases that shaped Britain towards the end of the 20th Century.
What did you like best about this story?
Hutchinson's own story of each case he was involved with was preceded by a very adequate potted history of its background and significance. This helped greatly to put his involvement in context.
Have you listened to any of David Timson’s other performances? How does this one compare?
No, but I look forward to hearing him again. This is a long book, but he struck exactly the right tone and pace to keep the stories vivid.
If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?
A Brief's History of Time
Any additional comments?
No
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9 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kirstine
- 18-12-16
Entertaining and historically interesting
I hadn’t heard of Jeremy Hutchinson before but remember many of the important cases he was involved with as a defence counsel. His first widely-reported case in the early 1960s was the obscenity trial against DH Lawrence’s book, Lady Chatterley’s Lover. Among many famous trials in which he was defence counsel included that of Christine Keeler; the spy George Blake; the civil servant Clive Ponting and journalist Duncan Campbell. Other ground-breaking obscenity prosecutions he defended included the film Last Tango in Paris and the play Romans in Britain.
Altogether a fascination and entertaining series of trials that also plot the gradual liberalisation of society and, at times, reveals how out of touch the establishment and judges could be with public opinion.
The book starts with a short biography of this humane and liberal-minded man. His background was privileged not least by his acquaintance with many of the literary and artistic figures. He was married to the actress Peggy Ashcroft for many years.
The last chapter of the book is a critical essay by the barrister dismayed by the curtailing of legal aid and consequent lack of justice for people who cannot afford to pay for the best legal counsel. The Minster for Justice at the time of writing was Chris Grayling who comes in for excoriating remarks about his competence. At nearly 100 years old Jeremy Hutchinson probably didn't fear a libel trial and could probably defend his comments vigorously!
The reader is excellent.
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8 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Ian Bond
- 04-05-16
Excellent
Wonderfully written, wonderfully read. Fascinating snapshot into the judicial system working the late 60s 70s and 80s.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Sally
- 24-01-17
Pompous narrator spoils enjoyment
If this had not been a book I had wanted to enjoy I would have abandoned it very early because of the pomposity of the narrator.
It should not be a vehicle for the narrator but the bringing to life of a story. Be warned he thinks he is more important than the story he is telling.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- TeamPalmer
- 31-12-16
Inspiring advocacy
As a practising lawyer of some 18 years, this book provided a timely professional stimulus.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- SpeccieSeccie
- 18-09-16
Wonderful tour through some of the defining cases of the late 20th Century
If you are interested in social history, criminal law, or good biography, you are likely to love this.
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- cyberdonkey
- 03-01-17
Fascinating
an illuminating book. The workings of the criminal bar in a series of fascinating cases. The final chapter is something every one should hear.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Chris N.
- 06-07-21
Entertaining, Enlightening, Engaging.
A very accessible history of some of the great social events of the last 60 years seen through the career of one of the heroes of the modern age. The narrator also shines in this sparkling gem!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Chris
- 28-02-20
Very enjoyable book
I was recommended this book by a friend and I enjoyed every chapter - I didn't want it to come to the end.
Very well narrated, funny in parts, sad sometimes and always insightful. Recommended.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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- martin
- 12-11-19
The King of the QC's.
Travel through the 20th Century with one of the greatest legal minds. Hutchinson is a fascinating mind who outlines every case with meticulous planning and foresight. His cases carry a battleplan with plan a, plan b and in many cases plan c's. Hutchinson did not win every case, far from it. Jeremy Hutchinson QC was the King of the 20th Century advocates. He was the go to guy for every major case. His story is one of the 20th Century major legal trials up to the late 1970's and there can be no doubt he was the King of the QC's.
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1 person found this helpful