Includes bibliographical references (pages 659-694) and index.

Preface : An American icon -- Part I. Becoming Ruth. Celia's daughter -- Cornell and Marty -- Learning the law on male turf -- Sailing in "uncharted waters" -- The making of a feminist advocate -- Seizing the moment -- Part II. Mounting a campaign. A first breakthrough -- Setting up shop and strategy -- Part III. Learning under fire. "The case that got away" -- A "near great leap forward" -- Coping with a setback -- Part IV. Moving forward. Getting back on track -- Moving forward on shifting political ground -- Part V. Becoming judge and justice. An unexpected cliff-hanger -- The 107th justice -- Mother of the regiment -- "I cannot agree" -- Part VI. Standing firm. Persevering in hard times -- Losing Marty and leading the minority -- Race matters -- The right thing to do -- A hobbled court -- An election and a presidency like no other -- Epilogue : Legacy.