To review the English translation of Ellul's book which, since its publication in 1946, has become the basis of discussion on the theological aspect of law for innumerable Christian as well as non-Christian lawyers and theologians may seem unnecessary. The influence of the arguments about the validity of human state-law proposed by the author under the lasting and vivid impression of the rule of that organised injustice which disguised itself as ‘law’ in Europe under Nazi domination, upon all contemporary discussions on the meaning of ‘law’ can hardly be overrated; and if we want to gauge the force which has been exerted by the problem of ‘law’ in the whole field of theological discussion in post-war Europe, no better introduction may be found for the non-continental theologian than this powerful, but at the same time well-disciplined book with its passionate plea for a ‘theological foundation of law’.