Rehnquist's Book Becomes Hot Item After Clinton Troubles

Strategic Insights -

As the nation awaits President Clinton's Senate trial, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist's six-year-old book, "Grand Inquests: The Historic Impeachments of Justice Samuel Chase and President Andrew Johnson", has become a hot-selling title, with all copies in libraries checked out and bookstores scrambling to find more. The book, which analyzes the first impeachment trial in U.S. history, was originally published in 1992 and was out-of-print, but is now being sought after for its insight into Rehnquist's views on impeachment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The book, written by Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist, has become a hot item after President Clinton's troubles, with sales increasing dramatically.
  • All copies of the book in libraries are checked out, with a waiting list to borrow them, including the five copies in the Broward County Library system and the four copies in the Miami-Dade County library system.
  • The book's publishers are investigating re-printing the book due to high demand.
  • The book is being sought after for its insight into Rehnquist's views on impeachment, which may provide clues on how he will handle Clinton's Senate trial.
  • Rehnquist has refused to comment on the book or any aspect of the impeachment process.
  • The book's ranking on Amazon.com has increased significantly, from the 88th most requested title on Monday to 45th by 5:30 p.m.

Statistics:

  • 5 copies in the Broward County Library system are checked out.
  • 4 copies in the Miami-Dade County library system have been checked out 6 times in recent months.
  • 25 shelves-worth of materials, including Rehnquist's book, were pulled from the Library of Congress' regular circulation and placed in a non-lending reference section on impeachment (Source: Library of Congress).
  • Rehnquist's book is being sought after by lawyers in the White House, according to Amazon.com spokesman Bill Curry.

Sources:

  • "Grand Inquests: The Historic Impeachments of Justice Samuel Chase and President Andrew Johnson" by William H. Rehnquist, published in 1992 by William Morrow Publishing.
  • Broward County Library system.
  • Miami-Dade County library system.
  • Amazon.com.
  • Library of Congress.
  • Sun-Sentinel newspaper.
  • Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.