About This Book
The volume examines competing theories about primitive marriage and family organization, critiquing patriarchal, horde or mother-right, and original‑pairing hypotheses. It traces how personal practices such as wife‑capture, purchase, and self‑betrothal evolved into recognized marriage contracts. The study follows the Church's adoption and regulation of lay marriage, the development of canonical matrimonial law, and measures to secure publicity and registration. It also surveys the history and procedures of divorce, outlining legal effects and comparative statutory practices in England and the United States. Literary, anthropological, and legal evidence are integrated to interpret successive family forms and institutional change.