Las Siete Partidas

by Scott, Samuel Parsons; Burns, Robert I.; Alfonso

• ISBN13: 9780812217414
• ISBN10: 0812217411
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2000-11-16
• Publisher: Univ of Pennsylvania Pr

Summary

Las Siete Partidas, or Seven Divisions, is the major law code of thirteenth-century Spain, compiled by Alfonso X the Learned of Castile. Seven centuries later, this compendium of legal and customary information remains the foundation of modern Spanish law. In addition, its influence is notable in the law of Spain's former colonies, including Texas, California, and Louisiana. The work's extraordinary scope offers unparalleled insight into the social, intellectual, and cultural history of medieval Spain. Built on the armature of a law code, it is in effect an encyclopedia of medieval life. Long out of print, the English translation of Las Siete Partidas--first commissioned in 1931 by the American Bar Association--returns in a superior new edition. Editor and distinguished medieval historian Robert I. Burns, S.J., provides critical historical material in a new general Introduction and extensive introductions to each Partida. Jerry Craddock of the University of California, Berkeley, provides updated bibliographical notes, and Joseph O'Callaghan of Fordham University contributes a section on law in Alfonso's time. Las Siete Partidas is presented in five paperback volumes, each available separately: The Medieval Church, Volume 1: The World of Clerics and Laymen (Partida I) ISBN 0-8122-1738-1 336 pages Paper $28.50 Medieval Government, Volume 2: The World of Kings and Warriors (Partida II) ISBN 0-8122-1739-X 296 pages Paper $28.50 The Medieval World of Law, Volume 3: Lawyers and Their Work (Partida III) ISBN 0-8122-1740-3 384 pages Paper $29.95 Family, Commerce, and the Sea, Volume 4: The Worlds of Women and Merchants (Partidas IV and V) ISBN 0-8122-1741-1 344 pages Paper $28.50 Underworlds, Volume 5: The Dead, the Criminal, and the Marginalized (Partidas VI and VII) ISBN 0-8122-1742-X 384 pages Paper $29.95 The complete five-volume paperback set: ISBN 0-8122-1737-3 1744 pages $135.00

Author Biography

Robert I. Burns, S.J., is a senior professor of history at the University of California, Los Angeles, and Director of the Institute of Medieval Mediterranean Spain in Playa del Rey, California.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Fourth Partida	ix
The Marriage Revolution	ix
Marriage Ceremonies	xi
Women in Life and Law	xii
Women's Work	xiv
The Autonomous Spouse	xv
Betrothal Versus Marriage	xv
Wedlock Problems	xvii
Impediments: Consanguinity, Affinity	xvii
Dowry and Dower	xx
Concubines, Illegitimate Children, Adoption	xxi
Raising Children	xxii
Slaves: A Slavery Code	xxiii
Vassals: Feudal Law	xxv
Friends: The Noblest Relationship	xxvi
Suggestions for Reading	xxvii
Introduction to the Fifth Partida	xxxiii
The Commercial Revolution	xxxiii
Mercantile Law: Old and New	xxxv
Alfonso's Contents	xxxvi
Merchant Law, Maritime Law	xxxvii
Purchase/Sale, Contracts	xxxviii
Usury Versus Interest	xxxix
Perspectives	xl
Suggestions for Reading	xli
Partidas IV and V: Analytical Table of Contents	xlv
Text in Translation	877	(130)
Text in Translation	1007