Masters, Servants, and Magistrates in Britain and the Empire, 1562-1955

“A growing amount of attention has been paid to the question of master and servant legislation in England. . . . Masters, Servants, and Magistrates is the most important work so far and significantly extends our knowledge and understanding of this body of law.” — Historical Studies in Industrial Relations

“Aptly . . . demonstrates the ways a group of medieval laws, created to serve the needs of a small country, could be reworked into a flexible system of employment procedures across a vast empire. . . . A valuable contribution to the areas of social history, legal history, and economic history.” — Itinerario

“A rich and varied volume. . . . Turns the history of employment on its head.” — Law and History Review

“The planning, organization and scope of the book are impressive. . . . [Masters, Servants and Magistrates in Britain and the Empire] is a seminal work which current and future scholars in the field will quarry and remain heavily indebted to for many years to come.” — Labour History

“Masters, Servants, and Magistrates is a monumental achievement that contributes immeasurably to our understanding of several important subjects, including the history of employment law, the process of statutory 'borrowing,' and the practices of low-level magistrates.” — Comparative Labor Law & Policy Journal

“This is a big and important book that should prove invaluable reading for historians of both law and empire.” — H-Albion

“An excellent background of nearly four hundred years of master/servant law in Britain and its Empire. In addition to presenting fundamental legal principles that afford insight into British and colonial statutory law, the book provides an excellent historical description of employment issues during the time period.” — Canadian Journal of History

“This eagerly awaited and important volume is a boon to historians, lawyers, and social scientists. It enables them to view the history of their own national legal cultures in the light of others, providing rich and detailed materials and first attempts at conceptualization for future comparisons.” — David Sugarman, Lancaster University