- 14
Blackstone, William
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- paper
Commentaries on the Laws of England. Oxford: Printed at the Clarendon Press, 1765–1769
4 volumes, 4to (10 1/4 x 8 1/4 in.; 260 x 210 mm). Two plates "Table of Consanguinity" and "Table of Descents" in second volume, without the 8-page "Supplement to the First Edition" which was issued later and is usually absent in earlier copies; some light marginal spotting, plates lightly browned. Contemporary calf, blind-tooled border, gilt-stamped red morocco spine labels; joints cracked, vol. 2 rebacked with original spine laid down, edges worn, spines scuffed.
4 volumes, 4to (10 1/4 x 8 1/4 in.; 260 x 210 mm). Two plates "Table of Consanguinity" and "Table of Descents" in second volume, without the 8-page "Supplement to the First Edition" which was issued later and is usually absent in earlier copies; some light marginal spotting, plates lightly browned. Contemporary calf, blind-tooled border, gilt-stamped red morocco spine labels; joints cracked, vol. 2 rebacked with original spine laid down, edges worn, spines scuffed.
Provenance
William Danby (1752-1833, bookplate and signature in each volume) — Acquisition: William Reese
Literature
Grolier, English 52; PMM 212; Rothschild 407
Condition
Two plates "Table of Consanguinity" and "Table of Descents" in second volume, without the 8-page "Supplement to the First Edition" which was issued later and is usually absent in earlier copies; some light marginal spotting, plates lightly browned. Contemporary calf, blind-tooled border, gilt-stamped red morocco spine labels; joints cracked, vol. 2 rebacked with original spine laid down, edges worn, spines scuffed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
First edition of this cornerstone work on English laws, with a profound influence on the course of jurisprudence in the United States. "Blackstone's great achievement was to popularize the laws and the traditions which had influenced its formation ... If the English constitution survived the troubles of the next century, it was because the law had gained a new popular respect, and this was due in part to the enormous success of Blackstone's work" (PMM).