The series was founded in 1990 with the intention of addressing contemporary European issues, particularly the then still young question of European legal harmonization, through historical and historically comparative studies, and providing a forum for the discussion of the legal and constitutional historical foundations of Europe. This concern remains relevant today, especially because various measures for legal harmonization in Europe have since been initiated. To date, around 60 volumes have been published, consisting of both monographs and thematic volumes that have emerged from conferences or seminars. Works on the history of legal doctrines stand alongside historically comparative studies, while works on the history of science are presented alongside those on the history of codification. Although titles on private law and constitutional history form the core, the series also strives to include other works on the history of European legal culture.