The Law and Lawyers Laid Open, in Twelve Visions. To Which is Added...
[Purves, J.A.]. The Law and Lawyers Laid Open, In Twelve Visions, To Which Is Added, Plain Truth, In Three Dialogues, Between Truman, Skinall, Dryboots, Three Attorneys, and Season a Bencher. Originally published: London: T. Woodman and J. Chrichley, 1737. xlviii, 269 pp. Reprinted 2006 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN-13: 9781584777618. Attractive smyth sewn maroon cloth bound gilt stamped spine and front cover. New. $49.95 * Reprint of the 1737 London second edition of The Law and Lawyers Laid Open, a biting work of eighteenth-century legal satire attributed to J.A. Purves. Presented in twelve surreal allegorical "visions," this Georgian-era critique takes direct aim at the rampant excesses, corruption, and systemic abuses within the English legal profession. Through vivid, humorous vignettes-such as "The Trial of Peter Puzzle Cause" and "The Leather Strap Lawyer"-the text illustrates the pervasive contemporary sentiment that dishonest lawyers constituted a major societal nuisance. The volume is significantly enhanced by its distinctive appendix, Plain Truth, which features three fictional dialogues between the archetype attorneys Truman, Skinall, Dryboots, and Season a Bencher. Beyond its legal commentary, the work also contains an intriguing, early psychological essay exploring why sleep impressions often feel stronger than waking ones.
Price: $49.95
Book number 48515