This book presents an original, deliberately controversial and, at times, disturbing appraisal of the state of comparative law at the beginning of the 21st century: its weaknesses, its strengths, and its protagonists (most of whom were personally known to the author) during the preceding thirty-five years. It is also a reminder of the unique opportunities the subject has in our shrinking world. The author brings to bear his experience of thirty-five years as a teacher of the subject to criticise the impact the long association with Roman law has had on the orientation and well being of his subject. With equal force, he also warns against some modern trends linking it with variations of the critical legal studies movement, and urges the study of foreign law in a way that can make it more attractive to practitioners and more usable by judges. At the end of the day, this monograph represents a passionate call for greater intellectual co-operation and offers one way of achieving it. A co-operation between practitioners and academics on the one hand and between Common and (modern) Civilian lawyers on the other, in an attempt to save the subject from the marginalisation it suffered in the 1980s and from which the globalisation movement of the 21st century may be about to deliver it.

...the book stands out as a deep moral demand, without cant or humbug or hypocrisy...In short, it is the perfect medium for beginners, practitioners, lecturers in comparative law, and for anyone seeking information, backup, or starting points, for a discussion about the utility of studying foreign law and developing an attractive comparative methodology. Guido Alpa International and Comparative Law Quarterly, Vol 55, Part 2 April 2006 [Markesini's] depiction both of the historical background and of future objectives is captivating. Professor Dr Graf von Bernstorff Aussenwirtschaftliche Praxis January 2005 This is an amusing, stimulating, and sometimes controversial work by an outstanding scholar. Professor Markesinis's book is clear, well documented and displays great learning There is no room for doubt that he has written an illuminating and sometimes provocative book, which will be found very rewarding by the large majority of those who purchase it. Frank Wooldridge International and Comparative Law Quarterly March 2004 The author provides a glowing insight, penetrative and sometimes caustic characterisation of some of the specialists of comparative law and their agendas Professor Dr Peter Schlechtriem Juristen Zeitung April 2005

Sir Basil Markesinis,QC, LL.D. (Cantab.) DCL (Oxon) D. Iur h.c. (Ghent, Paris I (Sorbonne) and Munich), is Professor of Common and Civil Law at University College London and Jamail Regents Chair at the University of Texas at Austin.