The Run of His Life : The People V. O. J. Simpson

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The inspiration for American Crime Story: The People v. O. J. Simpson on FX, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., John Travolta, David Schwimmer, and Connie Britton The definitive account of the O. J. Simpson trial, The Run of His Life is a prodigious feat of reporting that could have been written only by the foremost legal journalist of our time. First published less than a year after the infamous verdict, Jeffrey Toobin’s nonfiction masterpiece tells the whole story, from the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman to the ruthless gamesmanship behind the scenes of “the trial of the century.” Rich in character, as propulsive as a legal thriller, this enduring narrative continues to shock and fascinate with its candid depiction of the human drama that upended American life. Praise for The Run of His Life “This is the book to read.” —Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times “This book stands out as a gripping and colorful account of the crime and trial that captured the world’s attention.” — Boston Sunday Globe “A real page-turner . . . strips away the months of circuslike televised proceedings and the sordid tell-all books and lays out a simple, but devastating, synopsis of the case.” — Entertainment Weekly “A well-written, profoundly rational analysis of the trial and, more specifically, the lawyers who conducted it.” — USA Today “Engrossing . . . Toobin’s insight into the motives and mind-set of key players sets this Simpson book apart from the pack.” — People (one of the top ten books of the year) "The Run of His Life will be the definitive history of the most famous criminal proceeding of the century. Here is the whole story of the events of June 12, 1994, and their aftermath, as it has never been told - rich in character, driven by the nonstop plot of a legal thriller, and nuanced by the foibles, vanities, and idiosyncracies of its participants. This news-breaking, behind-the-scenes book will transform what you thought you knew." "Jeffrey Toobin's stunning coverage of the trial of O.J. Simpson for The New Yorker magazine was the first to focus on the reality that no one wanted to address directly but that pervaded every moment of the trial and perhaps even the crime itself - that race was at the heart of everything. Toobin's explosive article in July 1994, "An Incendiary Defense," laid out the defense lawyers' strategy, fingered Mark Fuhrman as their chief villain, and made the "race card" the euphemism of choice." "In The Run of His Life, Toobin's great reporting, based on his unprecedented access to sources on all sides, lets us see, in a fresh light, the prosecutors, defense attorneys, private eyes, waiters, dog walkers, cops, ex-football stars, TV personalities, forensic experts, and so many others who, if they were not already, have become household names. The plaintive wail, the bloody glove, the "n-word," the Dream Team, and the Bronco chase are images so much a part of our collective unconscious that they need no further introduction. But Toobin provides a new understanding of these modern totems as well as an insightful examination of the larger questions raised by the case - including the importance of celebrity, race (and the way it's manipulated in the politically correct media), California as both a state and a state of mind, domestic violence, American jurisprudence, and the efficacy of the jury system."--Jacket "The Run of His Life will be the definitive history of the most famous criminal proceeding of the century. Here is the whole story of the events of June 12, 1994, and their aftermath, as it has never been told - rich in character, driven by the nonstop plot of a legal thriller, and nuanced by the foibles, vanities, and idiosyncracies of its participants. This news-breaking, behind-the-scenes book will transform what you thought you knew." "Jeffrey Toobin's stunning coverage of the trial of O. J. Simpson for The New Yorker magazine was the first to focus on the reality that no one wanted to address directly but that pervaded every moment of the trial and perhaps even the crime itself - that race was at the heart of everything. Toobin's explosive article in July 1994, "An Incendiary Defense," laid out the defense lawyers' strategy, fingered Mark Fuhrman as their chief villain, and made the "race card" the euphemism of choice." "In The Run of His Life, Toobin's great reporting, based on his unprecedented access to sources on all sides, lets us see, in a fresh light, the prosecutors, defense attorneys, private eyes, waiters, dog walkers, cops, ex-football stars, TV personalities, forensic experts, and so many others who, if they were not already, have become household names. The plaintive wail, the bloody glove, the "n-word," the Dream Team, and the Bronco chase are images so much a part of our collective unconscious that they need no further introduction. But Toobin provides a new understanding of these modern totems as well as an insightful examination of the larger questions raised by the case - including the importance of celebrity, race (and the way it's manipulated in the politically correct media), California as both a state and a state of mind, domestic violence, American jurisprudence, and the efficacy of the jury system." NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER The inspiration for American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson on FX, starring Cuba Gooding, Jr., John Travolta, David Schwimmer, and Connie Britton The definitive account of the O.J. Simpson trial, The Run of His Life is a prodigious feat of reporting that could have been written only by the foremost legal journalist of our time. First published less than a year after the infamous verdict, Jeffrey Toobin's nonfiction masterpiece tells the whole story, from the murders of Nicole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman to the ruthless gamesmanship behind the scenes of "the trial of the century." Rich in character, as propulsive as a legal thriller, this enduring narrative continues to shock and fascinate with its candid depiction of the human drama that upended American life. Praise for The Run of His Life "This is the book to read."?Michiko Kakutani, The New York Times "This book stands out as a gripping and colorful account of the crime and trial that captured the world's attention."? Boston Sunday Globe "A real page-turner ... strips away the months of circuslike televised proceedings and the sordid tell-all books and lays out a simple, but devastating, synopsis of the case."? Entertainment Weekly "A well-written, profoundly rational analysis of the trial and, more specifically, the lawyers who conducted it."? USA Today "Engrossing ... Toobin's insight into the motives and mind-set of key players sets this Simpson book apart from the pack."? People (one of the top ten books of the year) From the Hardcover edition What the lawyers knew Drop dead gorgeous Parker Center Being O.J. "I cannot promise justice" "Mr. Simpson has not appeared" Hairsplitting The race card Horrible human event Mr. Cochran wants to know Group therapy The dream team A visit from Larry King Blaming Faye Thank you, Carl A dirty, filthy word "I can't be here, your honor" "In the past ten years, Detective Fuhrman ..." The best trial lawyer Stockholm syndrome Too tight "Sounded black" Manna from heaven "Free O.J.!" Now I can tell you" "Ugly ass." "First published less than a year after the infamous verdict, Jeffrey Toobin's nonfiction masterpiece tells the whole story, from the murders of Niclole Brown Simpson and Ronald Goldman to the ruthless gamesmanship behind the scenes of 'the trial of the century."--Back cover An eye-opening, behind-the-scenes look at the crime of the century and the legal proceedings that followed sheds new light on the arrest and trial of O. J. Simpson, the evidence in the case, and the role of the prosecution and defense. 100,000 first printing. Tour.