A presentation on former Michigan Supreme Court Justice John D. Voelker, author of "Anatomy of a Murder," will be featured this Friday evening, October 28, at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law.
The featured speaker for the 7 p.m. program will be attorney Frederick Baker Jr., Voelker's longtime friend. The Book Club of Detroit and the Michigan Supreme Court Historical Society are co-sponsoring this free event on Justice Voelker, a.k.a."Robert Traver."
A "quietly mad" trout fisherman, savvy and effective county prosecutor, candidate for Congress, self-proclaimed "cribbage champ" of Michigan's Upper Peninsula and best-selling writer, John D. Voelker is probably best known as the author of the 1958 novel "Anatomy of a Murder," later made into the 1959 film starring James Stewart, George C. Scott, Lee Remick, and Ben Gazzara. But few Michiganians today also know that, as a Michigan Supreme Court justice, Voelker wrote more than 100 finely crafted legal opinions or that he authored many more books with his beloved U.P. as the backdrop. Light refreshments will be served at the program and the public is invited.
"John Voelker: Anatomy of a Writer" will examine the life and works of this fascinating Michigan storyteller. Rare, limited editions of "Trout Madness," Voelker's paean to trout fishing, will be available for purchase. These editions were published under John Voelker's own name, rather than his pen name "Robert Traver."
Guest speaker attorney Frederick M. Baker Jr. is not only Voelker's longtime friend, but also a board member of the John D. Voelker Foundation, which established a scholarship fund to help Native American students pursue their dreams of a legal education. Reservations are encouraged by e-mailing BCDrsvp73@gmail.com.
Free parking is available in the lot on Larned Street across from the law school, which is located at 651 E. Jefferson, Detroit. Donations to the John D. Voelker Foundation Native American Law School Scholarship are welcomed and can be sent to P.O. Box 15222, Lansing, MI 48901-5222.
The Book Club of Detroit is an association of Detroit area and Southwestern Michigan bibliophiles, sharing friendship as well as a love of books, fine manuscripts, and printing.
