Kustoff michael ivanovich (1 resultados)

A Texas Lawyer Describes, In this Rare Self-Published Book, The Dark Reasons Why He Was Denied a Licence to Practice Law in California Kustoff, Michael I[vanovich] [1897-1964]. Justice in Iron Mask. Los Angeles: Published by Michael I. Kustoff, 610 American Bank Building, [1936]. 224 pp. Softbound in pictorial wrappers. Moderate rubbing to spine ends, a few creases to corners of wrappers, moderate toning to interior. A very good copy. $950. * Only edition. Born in Russia, Kustoff was a captain in the Russian army at the beginning of World War I. Fleeing the outcome of the Russian Revolution, he immigrated to America, settling initially in Southern California. He worked a variety of jobs to pay his way through college and law school. Throughout this period he supported workers' rights and was often arrested for participating in demonstrations. He was also committed on a few occasions to insane asylums, each time as retaliation, claimed Kustuff, for his political beliefs. He cited several instances when police officers and asylum officials attempted to poison or mistreat him. Kustoff eventually earned a law degree from the University of Florida, settled in Galveston, Texas and was admitted to the Texas Bar. He attempted to establish a practice in California, but was denied a license due to his past history. Kustoff, who claimed the denial was based on his knowledge of a murder by a wealthy former employer in Pasadena, appealed his case unsuccessfully to the California Supreme Court and U.S. Supreme Court. Justice in Iron Mask is a collection of legal briefs and other documents supporting his case. It appears Kustoff published it to influence public opinion on his behalf. Kustoff was also the author of an autobiography, Against Gray Walls. He later claimed it was used by Charlie Chaplin as the basis for his movie Modern Times and tried to sue him, unsuccessfully, for stealing his life story. OCLC locates 12 copies, 8 in California, 3 in law libraries (Library of Congress, LA County, Stanford).…