Reprint of the first edition. This classic work by the important
Austrian jurist is the fullest exposition of his enormously
influential pure theory of law, which includes a theory of the state.
It also has an extensive appendix that discusses the pure theory in
comparison with the law of nature, positivism, historical natural law,
metaphysical dualism and scientific-critical philosophy. "The scope of
the work is truly universal. It never loses itself in vague
generalities or in unconnected fragments of thought. On the contrary,
precision in the formulation of details and rigorous system are
characteristic features of the exposition: only a mind fully
concentrated upon that logical structure can possibly follow Kelsen's
penetrating analysis. Such a mind will not shrink from the effort
necessary for acquainting itself with...the pure theory of law in its
more general aspects, and will then pass over to the theory of the
state which ends up with a carefully worked out theory of
international law.": Julius Kraft, American Journal of International
Law 40 (1946):496.