a refreshingly cool and clear-eyed take on the topic such as this book presents will always be a most welcome addition to a fast-growing field. This is an interesting and painstakingly thorough study of legal attitudes to women (and female experiences of the law) which quite deliberately takes a broad-brush view of 'late antiquity in its widest possible sense' ... a most informative and fascinating book ... written with exemplary clarity, and considerably easier to read and follow than many on its subject ... this is still a most helpful and approachable treatment of the issue. Gillian Cloke, The Classical Review An excellent book, which provides a full and systematic investigation of an important topic. It is intelligent, careful, and accurate. Journal of Theological Studies A provocative new book . Arjava's book should stimulate discussion and reconsideration of the legal culture of late antiquity. The ideas of his book deserve respectful consideration from scholars who wish to understand the the place of women in late ancient society. - James Brundage - Speculum - A Journal of Medieval Studies - Jan 1999