Frederic William Maitland and the Earliest English Law
Patrick Wormald
When Milsom enrolled Maitland among the British Academy's Master-Minds, he drew attention to a number of rather strange things about him. Other than Rhys and Keynes, unfairly advantaged in so far as they are commemorated by whole lecture series, is sole Academy Fellow have been subject one lecture, let alone (as now case) two. He also very few historians. Alongside ranked only Thucydides, Bede, Gibbon, Kemble, Carlyle, Burckhardt, Bémont—an assortment that would bemused him much eminence was thus assigned. But, oddest all, his repute wholly different order from fellow founders Academy, or historians it has dignified. It not just consulted recycled, unlike Cunningham Pollock (his joint venture with apart). They, like rest, chapter historiography, historical phenomena themselves requiring explanation. We may seek information, even (in some cases) entertainment them. do debate them we argue Maitland. That what went on do. was, course, greater compliment conveyed title Master-Mind. beyond question more congenial himself. appalled canonization, repeatedly stressed. To adumbrate motif will recur these remarks, had Millite faith creativity dissent. The honor done treat scholar who Canary Islands grave for best part century if were contemporary colleague.
Law and History Review