Anciennes Loix Des François, Conservées Dans Les Coutumes Angloises, Recueillies Par Littleton, Vol. I

''Anciennes loix des François, conservées dans les coutumes angloises, recueil par Littleton;'' authored by M. Houard is a historical account likely written in the late 18th century. The book explores the ancient customs and legal traditions of the French and Anglo-Norman territories, highlighting how they are interconnected and were preserved over time. It aims to shed light on the origins of these laws and their relevance to understanding the legal culture of France and England, particularly during the early medieval period. The opening of this work presents a dedication to a noble figure, Monseigneur Armand-Thomas Hue, which sets an authoritative tone and indicates the book's serious scholarly intention. Following this dedication, the preface discusses the significance of historical sources, such as compiled legislation from Norman and Gascon regions, for understanding past legal practices and customs. It emphasizes that without knowledge of these origins, the study of laws and customs would lack depth, potentially leading to the loss of vital historical knowledge. The author plans to elucidate these connections further through analysis of legal texts and commentary, inviting readers into a detailed inquiry of ancient laws that governed society in both France and England.