A Declaration of His Maiesties Royall Pleasure, In What Sort...
First Edition of King James's "Book of Bounty," A Landmark in the History of Patent Law [Great Britain]. James I [1566-1625], King of England and Ireland. A Declaration of His Maiesties Royall Pleasure, In What Sort He Thinketh Fit to Enlarge, Or Reserve Himselfe in Matter of Bountie. London: Imprinted by Robert Barker, 1610 [i.e. 1611]. [iv], 29, [3] pp. Initial leaf is blank except for signature-mark "A" in a mortised ornament, final leaf blank. Quarto (8-1/2" x 6-1/2"). Stab-stitched pamphlet bound in recent quarter calf over marbled boards, blind fillets to calf edges, gilt fillets, title and date to spine, edges rouged. Moderate toning to interior, negligible light foxing and soiling to a few leaves. $1,850. * First edition. Known as the Book of Bounty, this declaration clarified the confusing common-law precedents concerning monopolies and patents established during the Elizabethan period. It outlawed monopolies, but preserved the rights of inventors. It also restricted the King's power to grant patents. A landmark in the history of patent law, it established a precedent that inspired the 1624 Statute of Monopolies, which, as Holdsworth notes, established "the basis upon which our modern patent law still to some extent rests." The year 1610 is given according to Lady Day dating, the pre-1752 English practice in official business of beginning the year on March 25, the date of Annunciation. Holdsworth, A History of English Law IV:353. English Short-Title Catalogue S121223.
Price: $1,850.00
Book number 75116