This selection of essays by the leading comparative lawyer, Basil Markesinis, provides a compilation of his most stimulating and authoritative work. It brings together for the first time writings which capture the essence of his pioneering approach to comparative law. The essays are of particular interest to those engaged in the study of the law of obligations, scholars will find here a discussion of broad intellectual and theoretical issues pertaining to this field. These issues are highlighted in the introductory chapter. This work is a tour de force of comparative law scholarship and should be read and kept close at hand by every comparatist.