Clarence Thomas: A Biography

Finding a good biography is hard to begin with. This is even more true if the subject is the human lightning rod of Clarence Thomas, quite possibly the most polarizing figure out there. Indeed, Thomas Sowell once wrote something to the effect that one can tell a white liberal's level of commitment to his beliefs by how much he despises the man. I am therefore happy to say that CLARENCE THOMAS: A BIOGRAPHY is a true joy to read. A major reason for this book being so good is because the author Andrew Peyton Thomas (no relation to the Justice) is so balanced. Other writers would either disparage Justice Thomas or act as little more than a literary cheerleader for the man based on ideological disposition. While the author A.P. Thomas obviously is an admirer of Justice Thomas, he nonetheless portrays the Justice warts and all. In fact, one of my friends, a white liberal who cannot discuss anything related to race without wallowing in white guilt and who simply cannot grasp the fact that blacks are responsible for their own lives, upon hearing that I was reading this book, asked me, his voice dripping with condescension and even hostility, whether the author goes over Justice Thomas having benefitted from affirmative action only to try to end such policies now. I was able to respond that, yes, indeed the author does cover this. In fact, quite extensively, while placing Justice Thomas' change of direction in the proper context and discussing the man's turmoil that others would focus on him rather than on the issues themselves (if my friend caught the irony, he did not let on). CLARENCE THOMAS covers the Justices' early life extensively. I was initially hesitant that so many pages were devoted to what I considered to be basically an introduction. I was wrong. Thomas' early life and the influences upon him by his relatives, nuns and others with whom he came into contact is absolutely captivating. As the book enters Thomas' adult years, the book loses none of its steam. Again, it is not just the facts of Thomas' life that are so captivating (though that is true), but that the author presents a vivid portrait of a man determined to stay true to himself in a context in which others want to use him for their own purposes and in the face of often seemingly insurmountable odds. We also get a focused picture of really just what kind of man Thomas is, as we read about his determination in the face of frustration after frustration. The author is not so much a fan of the Justice as to fail to acknowledge that Clarence Thomas, like many of us, has not always been able to live up to his ideals and that in some circumstances, subtle truths gave way to expediency. The reader also understands how Thomas was able to rise so high so fast. This is a man, after all, who came to the helm of the EEOC when it was the worst run administrative agency of the federal government only to turn it into the crown jewel by the time he left, all the while laughing, hav

Okay, there are several books on Thomas out there. This is my first. That said, the author is a gifted writer. This book is as accessible as a novel. Really. Non-lawyers don't have to beware. Liberals need not beware, either. Is the author sympathetic toward his subject? Well, I suppose so. This book is MOSTLY free of editorializing, though. Mostly, the author just relates what happened in a pretty impartial manner. Most of the editorializing is done when the author is criticizing his subject. The author recognizes that his subject has a strain of bathos, self-pity and exagerration. He includes several anectodes that portray Thomas as socially awkward, constantly seeking love and approval from EVERYONE, but unexpectedly lashing out at co-workers with cruel and unwarranted comments or intentionally setting subordinates against each other. All in all, he portrays a hardworking, reasonably smart politician who acended to the Supreme Court through an odd combination of luck, affirmative action, political connections, gladhanding, politicking, genuine administrative ability, and a Puritan work ethic. I don't think anyone will walk away from this being impressed by Thomas as a genius, a trendsetter, or a role model in particular. For those liberals that are predisposed to hating him, however, just by virtue of his politics, this book will likely engender a feeling of understanding and compassion for Thomas. After all, how can you hate someone for being socially awkward. How can you ridicule someone for being competent, hardworking, and able, even if that person isn't a genius? How can you blame a guy for coming from literally nothing and rising so highly even if he's not one of the 9 best legal minds in the country? So he's just "a man." That's okay, right? The book does make a case against Anita Hill.... I'm not the type to assume I know "what happened" in cases like that. Suffice it to say that the case against Hill is pretty convincing and it rings true. Despite the length of the book (like 600 pages!), it's a quick and enjoyable read. My one huge criticism is that you don't get to the court years until like page 450. I'd rather the background constitute a 1/3 of the book than 3/4s. I bought it to read about JUSTICE Thomas, you know?

This biography of Justice Thomas is outstanding. It encompasses time from pre-civil war slavery to the decision of Bush v. Gore. Although the author's treatment of Justice Thomas is evenhanded, it would be difficult to complete this work without having a greater appreciation for Justice Thomas' independence and intelligence.

I live in San Francisco, home to many angry female liberals whose "I Believe You Anita" bumper stickers are just beginning to peel and fade. When the now-famous Anita Hill hearings took place I was only 11 years old. I naturally have no recollection of them, nor could I comprehend at the time their dangerous implications for the future of one brilliant man and the future of the American judicial system. Coming across this book at a local bookstore, I decided to give it a chance and learn about an important piece of American history and biography...I am so glad I did.Since the beginning of the book I have been awestruck at Thomas's courage, fortitude, and intelligence. This biography masterfully retells his life story in such a way which is both captivating and awe-inspiring. In addition, this book proves again how vicious the political Left can be when their own preach for "diversity" goes awry in that a minority him/herself does not share their distorted political views. Men and women like Thomas, regardless of color, should each take a step back to really figure out their political views and ideologies. Too many today rely only on what "feels good" rather than what is right. Clarence, on the other hand, while always remembered as "different" by his colleagues, figured out on his own what was wrong and right and because of this won a lifetime battle against adversity and corruption.I STRONGLY recommend this book to anyone, regardless of party affiliation, to learn about a truly remarkable man and a truly remarkable American. He came from such poverty and destitution, and today he proudly reigns on the Supreme Court. America is such an awesome country!

This is a remarkable book. The author has achieved what Samuel Johnson said was the ultimate end of a good biography--exploring the faults of a subject to gain credibility for praise of his virtues. The author shows Clarence Thomas as a flawed and human man, anxious for advancements, prickly in his pride. He also shows the Justice as an unbelievably strong and moral person, someone whose hard-won achievements are real--and really honorable. The author has new information on Anita Hill and on each stop that Clarence Thomas has made on his long journey to the Highest Court. He has also recreated the long piece of history--from slavery, through Jim Crow, through the Second Revolution of the Civil Rights Movement--that produced this charismatic figure. This is biography and history at its best.