Dala Law

<p>The Dala Law is known through only one remaining medieval manuscript written c.1335 – 1353 and shows strong influence from older Swedish provincial law. It is one of the oldest known texts revealing details of life and conditions in medieval <em>Dalar</em> during the thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries.</p><p>Contradicting older assumptions that this might have been an older law of Västmanland the Dala Law is well adapted to prevailing conditions in medieval Dalarna Dalar. In contrast to most provincial laws where the lawman had a central position in the Dala Law it is the written word the law-book that is addressed and appealed to. Although the text is comparatively short this English translation is an important tool for facilitating the internationalisation of Swedish research and making Nordic material more accessible for international scholars. Aided by maps which show medieval Dalarna Västmanland and the value of the mining industry in the area this text provides crucial insight into the history life and culture of medieval Dalar which has never been seen before in the English language.</p><p>With an Introduction that places medieval Darlarna Dalar in its geographical judicial and ecclesiastical contexts <i>The Dala Law </i>is an essential resource for all students and scholars interested in medieval Swedish history and law.</p>