Melville Fuller, among the most prominent Maine natives of his day, is little known today. This groundbreaking biography, the first in 70 years, restores him to his rightful place amid one of the most turbulent, dynamic eras of American history, not hiding his flaws, but highlighting his considerable accomplishments in uniting a fractious Supreme Court behind his patient and steady leadership.
Author Douglas Rooks also emphasizes Fuller’s unstinting efforts to unite the Court and streamline its decision-making and caseload.
Douglas Rooks, a lifelong journalist, has been an editor at three Maine and New Hampshire daily and weekly newspapers, and an opinion columnist for more than 40 years. His three previous books are Statesman: George Mitchell and the Art of the Possible; Rise, Decline and Renewal: The Democratic Party in Maine; and First Franco: Albert Beliveau in Law, Politics, and Love.