'It is well-organized, arranged chronologically, and contains an exhaustive index. Serious legal and economics scholars will find this work invaluable … Recommended.' J. D. Graveline, Choice
1. Introduction: Overview and themes; 2. Founding era patent law, 1790-1820; 3. The Jacksonian era and early industrialization, 1820-1880; 4. Corporatization, 1880-1920; 5. 1921-1982: Patents in and out of the headlines; 6. The federal circuit era; 7. In conclusion: The private (law) life of patents.