The Theodosian Code /

England kept the common law, hence little attention has been given to Roman law in the English-speaking world except for handbooks and technical monographs. David Daube's Roman Law (CH, Nov'69) was an outstanding interpretative study, but not much has appeared since. Now two young British ancient historians have brought together from senior scholars in various fields 11 essays on the code issued by Theodosius II in 437. Focus is on three aspects of the Code: its compilation, its evidence on Christianization of the fourth-century Empire, and its later career from Merovingian Gaul down to modern editions. There are two outstanding contributions: Judith Grubbs's study on Constantine's family legislation and Brian Croke's on the contribution of the master philologist Theodor Mommsen. A great deal of information is presented in lucid, nontechnical prose, connections are made with political and cultural history, and the whole is enhanced by full notation and an extensive bibliography. One should also note a good index, attractive typography, and good quality binding and paper. Altogether a valuable work, deserving high recommendation. Upper-division undergraduates and above. R. I. Frank; University of California, Irvine