Helmholz is a meticulous scholar. He grounds his arguments carefully upon a solid body of evidence drawn from an extraordinarily impressive variety of sources ... His conclusions are subtle and nuanced. He is careful not to exaggerate or overstate his case.

Journal of Ecclesiastical History

Richard Helmholz in this important book ... has made a notable contribution to comparative legal history; he also sheds much light on the general history of the church in England ... This remarkable book combines broad learning, extensive research, sound judgement and an attractive prose style to produce a work or rare originality, which deserves an audience beyond legal historians.

English Historical Review