Cambridge Historical Studies in American Law and Society Series

This series delves into the intricate tapestry of legal history and society, showcasing innovative scholarship across a broad spectrum of subjects and perspectives. It ventures into unexplored territories and re-examines familiar topics with fresh insights. The collection champions empirically creative works while also welcoming methodologically advanced studies that introduce new disciplinary approaches to the historical analysis of law. It is designed for readers seeking a comprehensive and penetrating understanding of legal development.

The Constitutional Origins of the American Civil War

Recommended Reading Order

The Forgotten Emancipator
James Mitchell Ashley and the Ideological Origins of Reconstruction
Rebecca E. Zietlow
212 pages
8 hours of reading
The book delves into the ideological roots of the Reconstruction era and the significant constitutional changes that occurred during this time, using the life of James Mitchell Ashley as a focal point. Through Ashley's experiences, the narrative illuminates the complexities and challenges faced in shaping post-Civil War America, highlighting his contributions and the broader impact on society and governance.
The Constitutional Origins of the American Civil War
Michael F. Conlin
349 pages
13 hours of reading
In an incisive analysis of over two dozen clauses as well as several 'unwritten' rules and practices, The Constitutional Origins of the American Civil War shows how the conflicting constitutional interpretations of ordinary and elite Americans aggravated the sectional conflict over slavery to... číst celé
Owning Ideas
Oren Bracha
332 pages
12 hours of reading
Owning Ideas explores the history of the emergence of intellectual property in the United States during the nineteenth century, examining the fields of both patent and copyright. It will appeal to readers interested in the concept of ideas as private property, and how it holds a dominant position in modern economic and cultural life.
The Law of the Whale Hunt
Robert Deal
191 pages
7 hours of reading
The Law of the Whale Hunt provides an innovative examination of how property law was created in the absence of formal legal institutions regulating American whaling. Robert Deal tells an exciting story of how American whalers resolved complex disputes over whales instead of resorting to the courts.
Conjugal Misconduct
William Kuby
309 pages
11 hours of reading
Examines the experiences of couples in controversial unions and the legal and cultural backlash against contested marital arrangements in twentieth-century America. Will appeal to readers studying marriage law, gender, sexuality, class, and race in the US, and those seeking historical insight into the recent debates over the definition of marriage.
The Forgotten Emancipator
Rebecca E. Zietlow
216 pages
8 hours of reading
Zietlow uses the life of James Mitchell Ashley as a unique lens through which to explore the ideological origins of Reconstruction, the political antislavery movement, and the constitutional changes wrought in this era. For scholars of nineteenth-century history, as well as the history of American slavery, abolition, and emancipation.
Thomas Jefferson, Legal History, and the Art of Recollection
Matthew Crow
296 pages
11 hours of reading
Focusing on Thomas Jefferson, Matthew Crow provides a fresh viewpoint on the evolution of the Constitution in early American history. The book delves into Jefferson's influence and ideas, exploring how they shaped constitutional changes and the broader political landscape of the time. By examining Jefferson's role, Crow highlights the dynamic nature of constitutional interpretation and its implications for American democracy.
Final Freedom
The Civil War, the Abolition of Slavery, and the Thirteenth Amendment
Michael Vorenberg
324 pages
12 hours of reading
3.9(31)Add rating
The book delves into the Thirteenth Amendment, exploring the complexities of emancipation following the 1863 Emancipation Proclamation. It analyzes the legal, social, and political ramifications of the amendment, highlighting how it transformed the status of formerly enslaved individuals and reshaped American society. Through historical context and critical examination, the narrative reveals the ongoing struggles for freedom and equality in the aftermath of formal emancipation.