2015 Edgar Finalist for CriticismThe rivals of Perry Mason … From its early days, mystery fiction has drawn some of its most vivid characters and colorful stories from the annals of the law. Here Francis M. Nevins, twice winner of the Mystery Writers of America’s Edgar Award for scholarship, takes readers on a lively tour of fictional lawyers and factual legal issues in magazines, books, movies, and television.From 1930s horse operas to later courtroom dramas, from John Wayne’s sagebrush equalizers to Perry Mason and Atticus Finch, Nevins explores the changing social and legal codes that have helped shape popular entertainment.