Fine Books and Manuscripts
Fine Books and Manuscripts
From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft
Lot Closed
December 16, 07:07 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
Lot Details
Description
From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft
Blackstone, William
The Great Charter and Charter of the Forest with Other Authentic Instruments. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1759
4to (335 x 250 mm). Engraved dedication, numerous engraved initials and tailpieces; some offsetting, instances of minor foxing. Later purple calf, covers with floral borders, spine with raised bands in six compartments, edges speckled red; endleaves renewed, spine sunned, some minor scuffs.
First edition, large paper copy. "A work of the highest importance for the historian and constitutional lawyer" (David Walker, Oxford Companion to Law). The Great Charter traces the history of the Magna Carta from 1215-1300, and was based off examination of the original documents. It was the first publication of an accurate version of the text as published by King John in 1215, and the numbering system Blackstone introduced for the articles are still in use today.
REFERENCES:
ESTC T143723
PROVENANCE:
Battersea Public Libraries (ink stamps to verso of title and elsewhere)