New Translation of Hugo Grotius, De jure belli ac pacis libri tres, 1631

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Tilman Repgen
• Subject Area: Principles of Law and Jurisprudence
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 491889173

The project aims to produce a new translation of Hugo Grotius' main work “De jure belli ac pacis libri tres”, which will replace the German translation currently in use, which has been heavily criticized by experts, 400 years after the first publication of this classic contribution to natural and international law in the early modern period. For the first time, a Latin-German edition will be produced that will invite readers not only to refer to Grotius' work, but also to read it. It is generally agreed that Grotius' main work is a key text for the history of law. In the early modern period, it was the leading text for natural law lectures at many European universities. For around 200 years, however, there have been complaints that Grotius is quoted more than he is read. The translation being produced in the project is intended to make the source accessible anew. The critical apparatus, in which the numerous quotations that Grotius cites in support of his views are documented, will also help. - Book 1 of the three books has been newly translated in the preliminary project. The present continuation project deals first with Book 2 and then later with Book 3 of Grotius' work.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants