Ancient, Curious and Famous Wills - A Reader's Legal Curiosity

In this review of Ancient, Curious and Famous Wills the reviewer focuses on who will get the most from this title and why it still matters. This book is for readers who enjoy legal history, oddities of estate planning, and human stories anchored to written wills; the single biggest reason to buy is its concentration on unusual and historically significant wills that reveal social norms, personal priorities, and legal quirks across time. The tone is archival and anecdotal rather than technical, so it appeals to curious readers rather than practitioners seeking current legal guidance.

Key Features

• Historical focus: The book compiles wills that illuminate social customs and values from different eras, offering context that brings each testament to life.
• Curious anecdotes: Many entries highlight eccentric bequests and personal requests that make the material engaging for general readers.
• Readable approach: The narrative framing makes complex legal documents accessible without requiring prior legal training.
• Reference value: Collectors of legal oddities and libraries will find it a useful companion for understanding how wills reflected social priorities.
• Author perspective: Virgil M. Harris provides selection and commentary that help distinguish the notable examples from ordinary testaments.

Who It's For

The book is best for history buffs, librarians, and readers who enjoy human stories centered on legacy and law; it serves as light legal history rather than a how-to guide for modern estate planning. It is also suitable for instructors who want illustrative examples to spark classroom discussion about property, inheritance, and social values.

Those who should look elsewhere include readers seeking up-to-date legal advice or step-by-step estate planning tools, because the book focuses on past examples and notable anecdotes rather than current forms, statutes, or procedural guidance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Engaging selection of unusual wills that make legal history approachable for a general audience.
• Author commentary helps readers understand cultural context behind each testament.
• Useful as a reference for curious collectors or classroom discussion starters.

Cons

• Not a source of practical, modern estate planning advice, which limits its utility for people needing current legal direction.

Specifications

Title	Ancient, Curious and Famous Wills
Author	Virgil M. Harris
Category	Books; Law; Estate Planning; Wills
Focus	Historical and notable wills
Audience	General readers, historians, librarians

Our Verdict

Ancient, Curious and Famous Wills is a worthwhile purchase for anyone intrigued by the intersection of personal lives and legal instruments; it collects notable examples that reveal character and culture, and does so with commentary that clarifies rather than overwhelms. It represents good value as an entertaining reference and conversation piece, though it is not a substitute for practical estate planning resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book a practical estate planning guide?
No. The volume focuses on historical and curious wills and does not provide modern legal forms or step-by-step advice.

Who wrote the commentary in the book?
The selection and commentary are provided by Virgil M. Harris, who frames each will for historical interest.

Will this appeal to nonlawyers?
Yes. The book is written to be accessible and engaging for general readers interested in legal history and human stories.