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The cause of a loser like Smith is rarely associated with a stalwart conservative. Yet Smith's greatest champion is none other than William F. Buckley Jr., who befriended him several years ago after learning that he was a reader of National Review. Buckley, who provides a moving introduction to Brief Against Death, has also written this eloquent advocacy in Smith's behalf: "Edgar Smith went to the Death House not far removed from the wasteful class of humanity. He emerges as a most extraordinary man who may not succeed in triumphing over the chair, but who has clearly triumphed over himself."