Legal biographies are sometimes tedious and worthy but this is a real treat. It is the life story of a barrister who became a law lord, having served in the High Court and Court of Appeal. Millett was involved in some prominent cases, including Maxwell and Pinochet.

Author: Peter Millett

Wildy, Simmonds & Hill Publishing (£25)

This is a very funny book, with reflections on how to borrow money without any means at all, how to win cases with an umbrella (yes, really) and marvellous judicial putdowns. We are left with the impression of a warm and humane judge.

David Pickup