Historisch-kritischer Kommentar zum BGB, Band I: Allgemeiner Teil §§ 1–240

Published in German. This commentary on the German Civil Code makes available to the modern reader the rich store of historical experiences on which present day German legal doctrine and case law are based. Each analysis starts with the presentation of the given legal issue, shows different solutions practised before the BGB, explains the choices made by the draftsmen of the code in the late 19th century and then presents main developments in legislation, jurisdiction and jurisprudence in Germany as well as abroad. The commentary thus provides the basis for a critical re-evaluation of modern legal doctrine and also specifies the position of German private law within the broader European context.