Blackstone, William | A first edition of Blackstone's Commentaries

The Passion of American Collectors: Property of Barbara and Ira Lipman

Blackstone, William

Commentaries on the Laws of England. Oxford: Printed at the Clarendon Press, 1765–1769

4 volumes, 4to (268 x 215 mm). Two plates "Table of Consanguinity" and "Table of Descents" (folding) 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; spines renewed with original lettering-pieces laid down, some wear to covers.

First edition of this cornerstone work on English laws, which had 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).

PROVENANCE

Earl Waldegrave (armorial bookplate in each volume) — Newberry Library (bookplate in each volume; duplicate, withdrawn 24 August 1993)

REFERENCE

Grolier, English 52; PMM 212; Rothschild 407