<DIV><P>In this translation of Saint Thomas Aquinas's <i>The Treatise on Law</i>, R. J. Henle, S.J., a well-known authority on philosophy and jurisprudence, fluently and accurately presents the Latin and English translation of this important work. Henle provides the necessary background for an informed reading of the <i>Treatise</i>, as well as the only in-depth commentary available in English on this text.</P><DIV>The first section of the book contains an introduction to St. Thomas's life, work, writings, and jurisprudence. Henle discusses the structure of St. Thomas's magnum opus, <i>Summa Theologiae,</i> from which <i>The Treatise on Law</i> is excerpted. A brief section is included on Scholastic philosophy and also on St. Thomas's approach to the study of law. Henle then examines Thomas's definition of a law and the general doctrinal background for the <i>Treatise</i>. Finally Henle explores St. Thomas's sources, including his use of <i>auctoritates</i>, or authoritative quotations drawn primarily from the Bible, Aristotle, St. Augustine, and St. Isidore of Seville.</DIV><DIV>The second part of the book contains the Latin text of the <i>Treatise </i>presented unit by unit, each followed by the English translation and, when appropriate, by a comment.</DIV><DIV> </DIV><DIV><i>The Treatise on Law</i> will be of interest to law students, lawyers, judges, and legal scholars. It will also appeal to those interested in St. Thomas's legal philosophy, such as political scientists,</div><DIV>theoretical sociologists, and cultural historians. For philosophers, especially beginners in medieval philosophy, it serves as a good introduction to the thought of St. Thomas.</DIV><DIV> </DIV><DIV>"Distinguished Jesuit scholar R.J. Henle provides us with a text and translation of the <i>Treatise on Law</i> that both locates it in its native habitat and enables it to live a responsible life on its own. Henle has produced a magnificently useful book that should revolutionize courses in moral and political philosophy as well as those in jurisprudence." --<b>Ralph McInerny, author of <i>A First Glance at St. Thomas Aquinas</i></b></DIV></DIV>