John W. Sterling

"John W. Sterling: A Sketch" provides an intimate and authoritative look at the life of one of the most influential corporate lawyers of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Written by his long-time law partner, John A. Garver, this work chronicles Sterling's rise from his education at Yale and Columbia Law School to his pivotal role in founding the prestigious firm of Shearman & Sterling.

The narrative explores Sterling's legendary work ethic and his involvement in some of the most complex legal and financial matters of the Gilded Age, representing major industrial and financial interests. Beyond his professional achievements, the book details Sterling's profound connection to Yale University, where his record-breaking bequest transformed the institution's physical and academic landscape. This sketch offers readers a window into the evolution of the American legal profession and the life of a man whose legacy remains visible today through the libraries and professorships that bear his name. It is an essential read for those interested in legal history, the history of New York, and the impact of large-scale philanthropy on American higher education.

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