F.W. Maitland transformed historical studies in England and stood at the head of a new age which still endures. He may be described as the patron saint of English historians. Why was Maitland so good?
In this incisive and personal assessment of the historian of that seemingly esoteric subject, the medieval law, Professor Elton examines whether the claims for Maitland are justified - and concludes that he deserved his fine reputation in full.