A History of Alternative Dispute Resolution offers a comprehensive review of the various types of peaceful practices for resolving conflicts. Written by Jerome Barrett—a longtime practitioner, innovator, and leading historian in the field of ADR—and his son Joseph Barrett, this volume traces the evolution of the ADR process and offers an overview of the precursors to ADR, including negotiation, arbitration, and mediation. The authors explore the colorful beginnings of ADR using illustrative examples from prehistoric Shaman through the European Law Merchant. In addition, the book offers the historical context for the use of ADR in the arenas of diplomacy and business.

Jerome T. Barrett–historian, writer, arbitrator, trainer, and mediator–writes a history column for ACResolution quarterly magazine and has served as historian of SPIDR and FMCS.

Joseph P. Barrett is a senior special writer for Page One at the Wall Street Journal.