The John Austin Collection

by John Austin

John Austin (1790-1859) was one of the most famous British jurists of the nineteenth century. A pupil of Jeremy Bentham, he took a rigorously analytical approach to jurisprudence, seeking to distinguish sharply between positive law ('commands of a superior enforced by sanctions') and mere custom or morality. He achieved little public renown during his lifetime, publishing only one book and a few journal articles. After his death, however, his Lectures on Jurisprudence were published by his widow, and soon became recognized as a classic work.In this four-volume set devoted to Austin, the first two volumes consist simply of a reprint of the Lectures on Jurisprudence themselves (1879 revised edition). Volume three contains Gordon Campbell's Analysis of Austin's Lectures (1877), prefaced by J. S. Mill's enthusiastic account of them in the Edinburgh Review (1863). Volume four is Sir Henry Maine's Ancient Law (1861), which represents a key work in an opposed tradition in British jurisprudence. Where Austin is analytical in his approach, Maine is historical, seeking to explain how existing legal concepts have arisen from their roots in religion, morality, or popular custom. Brought together for the first time in this collection, these works allow the reappraisal of the important figure of John Austin and his contribution to jurisprudence.

1900 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

John Austin (1790-1859) was a noted British jurist and published extensively concerning the philosophy of law and jurisprudence.

Austin served with the British Army in Sicily and Malta, but sold his officer's commission to study law. He became a member of the Bar during 1818.

In 1820, Austin married Sarah Austin (1793–1867), born Sarah Taylor, an English editor & linguist.

He discontinued his law practice soon after, devoted himself to the study of law as a science, and became Professor of Jurisprudence in the University of London (now University College London) 1826-32. Thereafter he served on various Royal Commissions.

His publications had a profound influence on English jurisprudence. They include The Province of Jurisprudence Determined (1832), and Lectures on Jurisprudence.

-Wikipedia