Kentucky Justice, Southern Honor, and American Manhood: Understanding the Life and Death of Richard Reid

When attorney John Jay Cornelison severely beat Kentucky Superior Court
judge Richard Reid in public on April 16, 1884, for allegedly injuring his
honor, the event became front-page news. Would Reid react as a Christian
gentleman, a man of the law, and let the legal system take its course, or would
he follow the manly dictates of the code of honor and challenge his assailant?
James C. Klotter crafts a detective story, using historical, medical, legal, and
psychological clues to piece together answers to the tragedy that followed.

"This book is a gem. . . . Klotter's astute organization and gripping narrative
add to the book's appeal. . . . He] has written a fascinating book that will be
of interest to a wide audience."
--American Historical Review

"A moving story well told, it does force the reader to reflect on our own era and
consider whether we value leaders who respect the rule of law or those who
believe that honor demands swift and bloody vengeance no matter the costs."
--Ohio Valley History

"A rich and compelling work that offers fresh insights into the tense interplay
among religion, law, and honor in the American South."
--Register of the Kentucky Historical Society

Author: James C. Klotter
Publisher: LSU Press
Published: 03/21/2006
Pages: 197
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.69lbs
Size: 8.74h x 6.04w x 0.64d
ISBN: 9780807131589

About the Author

James C. Klotter is the author, coauthor, or editor
of over a dozen books, including A New History of
Kentucky; The Breckinridges of Kentucky, 1760-1981;
and Kentucky: Portrait in Paradox, 1900-1950. The
State Historian of Kentucky and a professor of history
at Georgetown College, he lives in Lexington.