About 50 early and rare books documenting the development of English common law in modern times. London and elsewhere in Britain, 16th century to the 19th century. English and additional languages.
Including:
● La Graunde Abridgement by Justice Sir Robert Broke. Second edition, London: Richard Tottel Press, 1576 (the book is considered one of the most important books in the history of English law and is one of the books of authority – the basic books of the English common law).
● A collection of entrees… and diuers other matters, by William Rastell. [London], 1596.
One of the thirteen books that were printed at the press owned and run by Jane Yetsweirt – one of the first English printers and the only woman who was permitted to print law books in the Elizabethan period (the printing house operated for three years only, between 1595 and 1597, and was closed for unknown reasons).
● The Hereditary Right of the Crown of England asserted, by George Harbin. London: G. James Press, 1713. Legal composition supporting the restoration of the House of Stuart to the British throne. The book had only one edition, which was published about two years before the attempt of the Stuarts to overthrow King George I and regain the throne of England (the Jacobite risings in 1715).
● Dozens of collections of rulings of important judges in the history of English law, some of the accompanied by prints of Judges' portraits, including Richard Hutton, Henry Hobart, Henry Pollexfen, Creswell Levinz, Edward Bulstrode, Henry Rolle and others.
● Various essays reviewing well-known trials in English history: the trials of the Jacobite rebels, the trial of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the murder trial of Ann Marten (The Red Barn Murder), and more.
● And additional books.
About 50 books. Size and condition vary. Good overall condition. The books are bound in original leather bindings or new fine bindings with gilt lettering and decorations to spines; some have been professionally restored. Numerous handwritten notations and comments (old).