On Early Law And Custom (1890)

On Early Law and Custom is a book written by Henry Sumner Maine and first published in 1890. The book is a collection of essays that explore the origins and evolution of law and custom in early societies. Maine was a British legal scholar and anthropologist who is best known for his work on the evolution of legal systems and the development of modern law.The book is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of early law and custom. The first part examines the concept of ""primitive law"" and the ways in which early societies developed legal systems. Maine argues that early legal systems were based on custom, rather than written law, and that they were shaped by the social and economic conditions of the societies in which they developed.The second part of the book focuses on the role of the family in early societies and the ways in which family structures influenced legal and social norms. Maine argues that the family was the foundation of early societies, and that family relationships played a key role in shaping legal and social norms.The third and final part of the book explores the relationship between law and religion in early societies. Maine argues that religion played a key role in shaping legal systems, and that early legal systems were often based on religious principles and beliefs.Overall, On Early Law and Custom is a fascinating exploration of the origins and evolution of law and custom in early societies. Maine's insights into the role of custom, family, and religion in shaping legal systems are still relevant today, and the book remains an important work in the field of legal anthropology.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.