Musson (U. of Exeter, UK) applies an unusual approach by resting his work on the assumption that law was not a separate entity in the medieval world, but part of daily life; that medieval people had a "legal consciousness". The psychological aspect of law, and its role in great events in English history are common themes as Musson considers the following aspects: professionalization; pragmatic legal knowledge this includes family and household, communal obligations, court attendance, church attendance, office- holding, and literacy; participation in the royal courts; the role of parliament, and the politicization of law. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)