‘Larry May's monumental achievement, astonishing in scope, depth, and insight, offers a rich historical mosaic of understandings of law, justice and equity and their interrelationships. It is essential reading for any legal or political philosopher and invaluable for any serious student of law and justice. May writes with a historian's keen eye for detail and context and a philosopher's eye for conceptual nuance, networks of concepts, and intersecting lines of argument.'
Gerald J. Postema - Cary C. Boshamer Professor of Philosophy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
‘In this magisterial book, Professor May manages to combine sweeping coverage with fascinating details about ancient legal thought on justice, equity, fairness, mercy, and principles of morality and right embodied within law. He makes a convincing case that legitimacy has long been fundamental to legal authority.'
Brian Z. Tamanaha - John S. Lehmann University Professor, Washington University
'… Ancient Legal Thought could be particularly useful for topic-specific teaching and research on themes such as the position of women, the legality of war, slavery, and the impact of inequality as reflected in law and legal writing.'
G. S. Gessert
Source: Choice
‘This remains a work of tremendous worth. Vast in scope and ambition, guided by an inquiring mind, this is a deeply enjoyable and thought-provoking book.’
Anthony Smart
Source: Comparative Legal History