1970s: Ruth Bader Ginsburg ’59 encourages students in her seminar on sex discrimination law to assist her in preparing to argue on behalf of the ACLU Women’s Rights Project before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Want own a the legal text book of an American and feminist icon? That chance is about to happen.
Heritage Auction house, that specializes in historical auctions, is offering a textbook full of notes from Ruth Bader Ginsbergs days at Columbia Law — that’s expected to sell for more than $10,000.
The book, titled The French Legal System – An Introduction to Civil Law Systems, is likely one of Ginsburg’s first textbooks ever brought to market. It contains notes in pencil and in ink, and has a bookplate which states that it came “From the Library of Ruth & Martin Ginsburg” on its interior front board.
“Her character and personality entertained many, but her persona grew out of her legal prowess, which started in books like this one,” Heritage Historical Manuscripts Director Sandra Palomino said of the late Justice Ginsburg. “Her handwritten notes offer a glimpse into her mind when she was just beginning to pursue a career in law, making this book an exceptional find for anyone who collects legal or historical documents.”
The opening bid for the Notorious One’s textbook is $5,000 ($6,250.00 with a Buyer’s Premium). The final auction will take place on Wednesday, May 19, at 12 p.m. ET. Proxy bidding ends on the same date at 11:50 a.m. ET.
