Maitland: State, Trust and Corporation

by Frederic William Maitland

Representing perhaps the most celebrated English historian since Gibbon, this collection of a series of F.W. Maitland's (1850-1906) later essays is designed to bring his thought to the attention of political theorists and political scientists, as well as historians. The essays are about the historical origins of the state, and many of their themes--the limits of state power, the interrelationship between states and corporations--are of continuing relevance today.

Genres: Politics, Philosophy

202 pages, Hardcover

First published November 12, 1999

About the author

Frederic William Maitland, FBA was an English historian and lawyer who is generally regarded as the modern father of English legal history.

Reviews

[Illiterate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maitland is very good on the legal history of groups. (I’m not convinced by the editors’ claim he tells us about the origins and character of the state.)

[Josh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting essays. Is the selection worth £29? Probably not. The final essay is compelling and rewards careful attention, but the others are of more limited interest and, though helpful, not necessary in setting up the final essay. I certainly hope to avoid any more reading on the 'corporation sole' in the foreseeable future.