Bramble Bush: On Our Law and Its Study

This is a "golden oldie", rightfully celebrated over time. Unlike a lot of other academic "stuff", this one is READABLE !!

Llewellyn wrote "Bramble Bush" as an introduction for law students, which is how I first read it in 1967. Nevertheless, practicing lawyers would profit from re-reading this wonderful book every several years, especially before working on an important appeal or on a case that may not be decided solely by the application of settled law. Its chapters on "This Case System" are a masterful exposition on how to understand, apply, and distinguish legal precedents. Another essential work on the development of caselaw is Cardozo's "The Nature of the Judicial Process." For a thoughtful introduction to the role of the lawyer in actual practice, I recommend, both to studends and practitioners, the advisedly titled "What Every Lawyer Knows" by Walter T. Fisher.

I actually felt myself getting smarter while reading this book. Outside of just covering "technicalities" of studying law, he also offers a fascinating perspective on the study and practice of law in relation to the lawyer's life (money/finc. security as primary motive for entering legal profession.) Also interesting are his views on making/missing law review and the effect this has on 2Ls. Overall, an excellent read, time well spent, and very deserving of the word "classic."

Written over 70 years ago, Bramble Bush is still THE book recommended for students to read just prior to beginning classes or early in their first semester of law school. Be prepared to read passages over again due to the author's 1920's style of sentence composition, but also be prepared for an enjoyable 200 pages of insight into the U.S. system of common law, case /precedence law, and most importantly, advice and guidance for 1L, 2L, and 3L (law) students.

In his series of essays/lectures to first year law students, the author gives a very authentic portrayal of what the first few years of law school really entails. Anyone contemplating going to law school, or already having been admitted to law school, should read this book for its insights and erudition