A Short History of Western Legal Theory - Softcover

`John Kelly's calm, orderly presentation ... erudite and clear ... Kelly's text is excellent in its unpretentious, deceptively casual linking of legal ideas with religious, political and intellectual history. Written in a flowing but cibcuse style and rich in reference, it wears its considerable learning lightly and is likely to appeal to students as a wide ranging but not intimidating text ... a concise and eloquent reminder that the heritage of Western legal speculation over the centuries is a most important component and mirror of wider culture. As such it can be widely recommended.'Roger Cotterrell, Times Higher Education Supplement

`This book is a landmark in the continuing study of the law in Ireland ... a work of remarkable scholarship ... ranges from profound legal thought to flashes of lyrical imagery ... This is a fascinating, entertaining, and humbling book in the world of law, the death of John Kelly has denied us further fruit of his brilliant and prolific mind; I doubt there could be a greater monument to his memory.' Irish Times

`Very valuable overview.' Dr Simon Honeyball, University of Exeter

`An excellent and vaulable enterprise.' Andrew Halpin, Southampton University

`a lively and attractive exploration of its subject' Dr A. Wilson, Aberdeen University

`a refreshing and long overdue work' Dr G.P. Bagnall, Queen's University of Belfast

`It is extremely good on the pre-20th century theories - clear, well written and placing theories in their historical contents.' D. Feldman, University of Bristol

`John Kelly has written an epic work, a fascinating history, that will stand the test of time. It will become a basic textbook for future generations of lawyers.' Incorporated Law Society of Ireland

`an excellent book which invites us to consider history as an important organizing tool in teachin Jurisprudence.' David Jabbari

`A readable, balanced account of the various periods of legal development and the theories each age produced. It is likely to become the essential text to understand the legal tradition which is the inheritance of the west.' Thomas Glyn Watkin, University of Wales, Cardiff

This unique publication outlines the development of legal theory from pre-Roman times to the twentieth century. It aims to relate the evolution of legal theory to parallel developments in political history, and accordingly offers the reader an account of relevant contemporaneous political, religious, and economic events. Each chapter commences with a general historical background for the relevant period, and discusses how political events and political and legal theory are both related to one another and occasionally influence one another.

No other English publication aims to anchor legal theory to contemporary general history in this way, shunning the more conventional approach to legal theory via the study of 'traditions' or 'schools', and it is hoped that this study will provide a much-needed basic text for students of jurisprudence, legal theory and politics.