The Death of Old Man Rice: A True Story of Criminal Justice in America

by Martin L Friedland

Overview

The Story of One of the Most Remarkable Trials in All History! Sensational trials—the Menendez brothers, the Rodney King case, the Preppie Murder—are not unique to the age of television. The year 1900 saw one of the most dramatic criminal trials in American history, described by one newspaper at the time as America's most remarkable murder case.
When William Marsh Rice, the founder of Rice University, was found dead in the New York City quarters he shared with his only servant, suspicion immediately fell on Albert Patrick, a young lawyer. Rice, whose fortune was pledged to Rice Institute (later Rice University), had, it seemed, been killed by chloroform poisoning and his will forged to give Patrick his vast estate. Patrick was immediately arrested and, in a spectacular trial, tried for first-degree murder, a crime then punishable by execution.
In this combination murder mystery and murder history, Martin Friedland recounts the events leading up to the trial and the case as it played itself out in court. Skillfully guiding the reader through the trial and its outcome, Friedland sheds new light on the events, casting doubt on what, at first glance, seems an ironclad case.
Provocatively illustrated with over 60 photographs that capture the circumstances of the trial and the mood of New York City at the turn of the century, The Death of Old Man Rice is not only a gripping tale of murder and intrigue, but a timely window onto many aspects of criminal justice in America. Touching on issues of great contemporary relevance— such as the influence of the popular press; the purchase of expert witnesses; the problems of multiple appeals; the inadequacy of penal institutions; and the advantages of wealth—Friedland combines scholarship with suspense in his trademark who done it style.
A murder mystery, a historical study, and a fascinating window into the world of forensic science, The Death of Old Man Rice is that rare book that can engage any reader.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780814726594
Publisher:	New York University Press
Publication date:	08/01/1996
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	304
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.05(d)

About the Author

Martin L. Friedland is Professor of Law at the University of Toronto and author of the widely acclaimed The Trials of Martin Lipski: A True Story of a Victorian Murder in the East End of London and The Case of Valentine Shortis: A True Story of Crime and Politics in Canada.

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Rarely rivaled by real life or fiction as a gripping narrative, the William Marsh Rice case is the subject of Martin L. Friedland's authoritative account. . . . A fascinating depository of information that invites readers to develop their own theories of what happened. . . . A gripping and completely trustworthy account of one of the great criminal stories of our century."

-Houston Chronicle,

"Friedland proves himself an indefatigable researcher, breathing life into a case laid to rest decades ago."

-Publishers Weekly,

"I found the book fascinating!"

-James A. Baker III,former U.S. Secretary of State

Editorial Reviews

"I found the book fascinating!"

James A. Baker III

"Rarely rivaled by real life or fiction as a gripping narrative, the William Marsh Rice case is the subject of Martin L. Friedland's authoritative account. . . . A fascinating depository of information that invites readers to develop their own theories of what happened. . . . A gripping and completely trustworthy account of one of the great criminal stories of our century."

Houston Chronicle

”I found the book fascinating!”

-James A. Baker III,former U.S. Secretary of State

”Rarely rivaled by real life or fiction as a gripping narrative, the William Marsh Rice case is the subject of Martin L. Friedland's authoritative account. . . . A fascinating depository of information that invites readers to develop their own theories of what happened. . . . A gripping and completely trustworthy account of one of the great criminal stories of our century.”

-Houston Chronicle

”Friedland proves himself an indefatigable researcher, breathing life into a case laid to rest decades ago.”

-Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher

In his reinvestigation of the circumstances surrounding the death of Rice University founder William M. Rice in 1900, Friedland (Detention Before Trial) proves himself an indefatigable researcher, breathing life into a case laid to rest decades ago. Rice, a Texas multimillionaire, was found dead one Sunday in his New York City apartment. The following day, his lawyer, Albert Patrick, attempted to cash four checks totaling $250,000 made out to himself and bearing Rice's forged signature. Additionally, a will named Patrick as the recipient of Rice's estate. Murder was suspected, and Rice's valet implicated Patrick. The lawyer was found guilty and sentenced to death in 1902. Pressure from influential people caused his sentence to be commuted to life imprisonment in 1906, and he received a gubernatorial pardon in 1912. Friedland concludes that Patrick was guilty of forgery, but not of murder. But was Rice in fact killed? Or did he die of natural causes? The author leaves that question unanswered. Photos not seen by PW. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Friedland (law, U. of Toronto) recounts the sensational trial of Albert Patrick in the death of William Marsh Rice, founder of Rice University, in 1900, shedding new light and casting doubt on a seemingly ironclad case. Elements of the trial, such as the influence of the popular press, the purchase of expert witnesses, and the problem of multiple appeals, resonate with problems encountered in the criminal justice system today. Includes some 60 b&w photos and illustrations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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