The Ages of American Law

by Grant Gilmore, Philip Bobbitt (Foreword)

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

Genres: Law, History

248 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Ryan McCarthy]

I came away from reading this with an overwhelming desire to have my last name used to christen an ideology. Unfortunately my last name is McCarthy.

[Steven]

This short book would be outstanding if its only virtue were Gilmore's Platonically acerbic wit. Fortunately, in addition to his considerable literary flair, Gilmore has wisdom to spare—even, sometimes especially, when he's dead wrong. If you are a lawyer, you should read it. If you are a law student, you should read it. If you have even a passing interest in American law and its history, you should read it, too.

[Isabella Fierro]

First law school book - slay

[Kenna Horgan]

Dense but helpful

[Jonathan Cooper]

A beautifully written, and brief, sketch of the history of American law from 1800 to 1970. The author has some strange ideas, but the book is such a pleasure to read that you swallow them whole without even realizing their oddity. Worth reading by anyone interested in the intellectual history of American law.

[Christie]

This book is a little outdated, but it offers a very clear and easily understood breakdown of how American Law has evolved since the 1800s. It is perhaps a little light on details and more for someone looking for a general overview, but a quick and easy read for someone who wants at least a snapshot of how law has changed.

[SallyStenger]

Just picking some books at the library to explore the legal experience. I liked this book pretty well. Another book on jurisprudence. I like it well enough that I would be interested in reading another of his books, namely, the Death of Contract. I believe that Mr. Gilmore was involved in the committee that drafted the UCC. Fairly short (100+ pages)

[Dawn]

This was a clear, concise narrative on the different phases which the American justice system has experienced since its inception. A terrific primer on which to brush up just before starting law school.

[Nicole]

Had to read it for a class. A simple recap of the development of American Law in 110 pages. I wouldn't have read it if I didn't have to, but it could have been a lot worse. I'm also not familiar enough with American legal history to know yet how much of this theory was the writer's opinion.

[Brandon]

Not as good as Gilmore's "The Death of Contract".

[Brent]

Dry yet informative.