In Search of the Truth - John Cartwright

This book tells the story of John Cartwright, a now-retired barrister, who spent his career in search of the truth. Incredibly, this search was mirrored in his personal life; his childhood was wrapped in secrecy and his father was dead... or so John had been led to believe.

In his own words, John tells us about an ambitious young man setting out to make a career at the Bar. Initially employed in a local firm of solicitors - a job he took straight after leaving school - John took the then highly unusual step of having himself struck off the solicitors' roll in order to study for the Bar. Successful in this venture - placed first in order of merit by Gray's Inn at the Bar examinations - he began at chambers in The Temple, soon discovering that one needed eyes in the back of one's head as rivals jockeyed for position.

Throughout his professional life, John encountered many battles, both personal and professional. From false allegations about himself that no one would discuss face-to-face, to an instance of mistaken identity and a wealth of unusual court cases, John's focus has always been to ascertain the truth. His legacy includes having developed a widespread practice in Criminal and Common Law - and more recently in clinical negligence - as well as having uncovered the truth about his father who, at the time of the discovery, was alive, well and living in Kent.

With the story of his unusual upbringing and fascinating career - including details of a number of curious cases - this autobiography is both an inspiring read and an engaging insight into a man who has always remained in search of the truth.