Inside the Castle: Law and the Family in 20th Century America

(Paperback)

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Description

Inside the Castle is a comprehensive social history of twentieth-century family law in the United States. Joanna Grossman and Lawrence Friedman show how vast, oceanic changes in society have reshaped and reconstituted the American family. Women and children have gained rights and powers, and novel forms of family life have emerged. The family has m

Reviews

Co-Winner of the 2011 David J. Langum, Sr. Prize in American Legal History, The Langum Charitable Trust "The history of American law is the story of the American family. The book describes how the law both reflects and seeks to mold conceptions of what a family is and who its members are... The conclusion is that the family has undergone dramatic change in America since 1787, and will evolve as new social practices emerge."--Choice "Inside the Castle is a well-written and thoroughly researched work of legal history that touches on nearly every aspect of American family life. The book is also well organized, with a cogent arrangement of topics. Useful summaries at the end of each chapter list significant points and note questions that remain to be answered. The book's index is thorough, and its comprehensive endnotes should prove valuable for those interested in further research. Inside the Castle is recommended for all public, academic, and law libraries and for anyone with an interest in family law or social history."--Ellen M. Richardson, Law Library Journal "It provides a comprehensive, engaging, accurate, and intriguing account of a century of almost unimaginable change. It will be of interest to a wide variety of readers, from students to people who love a good read about an important topic."--Barbara Bennett Woodhouse, American Historical Review "Inside the Castle is an expansive and careful study of the intricate relationship between family law and society, and the influence of the latter on the former. It is impressive in both its scope and depth."--Zvi H. Triger, Law and Politics Book Review

Author Bio

Joanna L. Grossman is professor of law at Hofstra University and the coeditor of Gender Equality. Lawrence M. Friedman is the Marion Rice Kirkwood Professor of Law at Stanford University. His books include A History of American Law.