Although many books and articles have appeared about Earl Warren, no one has ever adequately explained how the man who presided over so many highly controversial Supreme Court decisions and led such a notable political career could seem to be, and regarded as, a person of quite modest presence and abilities. Based on the wealth of newly available material from the recently-opened Warren Papers in California, this book is the first to relate Warren's accomplishments as a judge to the themes of his early life. The result is an original, challenging portrait of one of the most influential figures in recent American history. We learn not only about Warren the California politician and Warren the Chief Justice, but also about Warren the man.

Citation
G. Edward White, Earl Warren: A Public Life, Oxford University Press (1982).