Law and revolution

the formation of the Western legal tradition

de Harold Joseph Berman

This is a wonderful book. The author's understanding of how revolution works within tradition and born of crisis to bring about change is telling. He has a deep grasp on the Western legal tradition about which he writes. As a result he is able to interact with the prevailing Marxist and Weberian social theorists to correct and fill in their shortcomings. He has caught the uniqueness of Western law because he is not reticent about offering the importance of canon law and the influence of Christianity and the church. The papal revolution has played a monumental role by establishing ecclesial jurisdiction which left a vaccuum in secular law which was filled by many competing types of law. Pluralism of legal systems with competing jurisdictions started as a Church and State division. From it the Rule of Law and civil rights have come about (Lex Rex). I especially enjoyed the story of Becket and Henry II. The book has a wealth of information. It ranks as one of the best books on history I have read.