This work investigates the extent to which informal, undocumented sources of English law have been overlooked by traditional legal scholarship and historical analysis. J. H. Baker, a distinguished legal historian, utilizes his extensive research into primary archival documents to challenge the reliance on formal statutes and law reports alone. He argues that a significant portion of legal development remains hidden from current teaching and commentary, necessitating a broader methodological approach to understanding the evolution of the English legal system.

Legal scholars and historians frequently cite this text as a critical intervention in the study of English legal development. Experts highlight the author's meticulous archival research as a foundational resource for those seeking to understand the nuances of historical legal practice beyond formal records.