The Legacy of Roman Law in the German Romantic Era

The book delves into the enduring influence of ancient Roman law in Germany during the industrial era, highlighting its political and cultural significance. James Whitman examines how German Roman lawyers aspired to revive the Roman social order, linking this to the Romantic era and the Reformation. By analyzing both familiar and lesser-known legal treatises, he illuminates the tradition that enabled figures like Savigny to portray themselves as impartial. This work is particularly relevant for those studying influential German thinkers such as Marx and Weber.