This is the first translation into English of "Alle Radici del Mondo Giuridico Europeo" published in Italy in 1994, and named "The Law Book of the Year" in 1995. The book is a comprehensive reappraisal of thinking on the common structural features of the various European jurisdictions. Professor Lupoi argues the case for the existence of an earlier system of common law as far back as between the sixth and eleventh centuries. Based on various Germanic customs, this law was codified in Latin and survives in modified form in modern English common law.

This is the first attempt to deal with trusts on a comparative law basis. The book examines more than thirty countries, and submits a unified theory of trusts. The effects of the Hague Convention of 1985 are discussed, as well as its implementation in ratifying civil law countries, where it is now possible to form trusts under a foreign law. Academics will find this book a novel approach to the English-model trust, and practitioners will find it gives a wealth of information on foreign legal systems.