The Ages of American Law

Book excerpt: Following its publication in 1974, Grant Gilmore's compact portrait of the development of American law from the eighteenth century to the mid-twentieth century became a classic. In this new edition, the portrait is brought up to date with a new chapter by Philip Bobbitt that surveys the trajectory of American law since the original publication. Bobbitt also provides a Foreword on Gilmore and the celebrated lectures that inspired The Ages of American Law. "Sharp, opinionated, and as pungent as cheddar."--New Republic "This book has the engaging qualities of good table talk among a group of sophisticated and educated friends--given body by broad learning and a keen imagination and spiced with wit."--Willard Hurst