Fine Books and Manuscripts

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View full screen - View 1 of Lot 7. Blackstone, William | "A work of the highest importance for the historian and constitutional lawyer".

From the Library of Clayre and Jay Michael Haft

Blackstone, William | "A work of the highest importance for the historian and constitutional lawyer"

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)

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