Famed American attorney and civil libertarian (1857–1938) best known for his participation in such high-profile cases as the Leopold and Loeb “thrill killing” trial (1925) and the epochal Scopes “Monkey” Trial (1925). Revealing TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, personal letterhead, July 26, 1928. Darrow writes to Carroll Bird in New York City. In part: “I now have an article in the hands of one of the magazines entitled The Great Delusion which is on immortality. I wouldn’t want to do anything until after this came out; then I would be glad to see you…. I wonder if you are right in saying there are few people in this age who believe in the immortal soul? I wish you were right, not that I care especially whether there is such a thing as an immortal soul, but because I know absolutely that there is not a shred of evidence that gives it any kind of support whereas the proof is overwhelming that it is a falacy [sic] and a humbug. It seems to me that in spite of this people cling to it, which proves the great mass of people are morons or cowards or both. If a human being believed anything in this world that affected his daily life that was so silly and utterly unreasonable, they would without hesitation send him to an insane asylum. Still the preachers get by with it in this case.” Faint intersecting mailing folds, one of which touches the signature, otherwise fine, clean condition. LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
