A History of Matrimonial Institutions, Vol. 1 of 3

This volume offers a sweeping look at how marriage has been understood and organized among English‑speaking societies, beginning with the earliest anthropological theories of kinship and family. Drawing on a broad range of sources, the author examines the patriarchal model, its critics, and the ways primitive matrimonial customs have shaped modern ideas about partnership. The opening sections set the stage for a deeper investigation of how cultural, biological, and psychological factors intertwine in the evolution of the family unit.

The later chapters turn to the concrete realm of law, tracing the development of marriage and divorce statutes across the United States from the Revolutionary era onward. Meticulously compiled, these analyses provide a valuable reference for scholars and reformers interested in the legal foundations of marital relations. Throughout, the work reflects extensive collaboration with leading historians and legal experts, offering a solid, scholarly foundation for anyone seeking to understand the historical forces that continue to influence today’s matrimonial institutions.