Herbert Alpert

Louis Marshall: 1856-1929 Herbert Alpert

In his 72 years, Constitutional attorney Louis Marshall led an extraordinary life. His impact on his community, his nation, and his era established him as one of the great pride-filled Jews of the twentieth century. Now, in this epic biography, Marshall's incredible story is told in vibrant detail. Born in Syracuse, New York, in 1856 to poor German immigrants, Marshall persevered despite his humble beginnings and became a prominent lawyer in New York City. He attained a reputation as a fierce defender of individual rights, a passionate environmentalist, humanitarian, philanthropist, and community leader, defending his fellow Jews and all Americans who faced racial or religious discrimination. Marshall was one of the founders of the American Jewish Committee, as well as a member of the boards of the NAACP and New York State College of Forestry. He was also a trustee of Syracuse University. In 1914, Marshall was a leader in organizing relief organizations to aid Jews suffering from the ravages of World War I and later served on the Jewish-American delegation to the Paris Peace conference. His death in 1929 left a void no one could fill. Written with grace and style, this biography pays tribute to one of history's most dedicated Americans.