Dylan Kochan’s Reviews > Law and Revolution: The Formation of the Western Legal Tradition > Status Update

Not particularly sanguine about part 4. His linkage of purgatory and the development of legal rule-like thought lacks sufficient endnotes evidencing any consensus on his interpretation of the medieval purgatory doctrine. Nevertheless, I was particularly interested in his bridge of St. Anselm’s satisfaction atonement doctrine to western “satisfaction” of victim’s in criminal law. He seems off on purgatory.

The first three sections are wonderfully researched, quite enjoyable. The Fourth Part, thus far, rests on (what I would argue) is a misunderstanding of purgatory as developed from the 5th and 11th century. His argument about the development of penal and civil law seems to rest on what I would argue is a misunderstanding. But I am not so sure yet of that, as I have not finished the section. Stimulating book thus far.

Very dense. I am learning quite a bit.

Difficult but rewarding....