Pleas of the Crown, Or a Brief, But Full Account of Whatsoever...
First Edition of the First Analytical Study of English Criminal Law Hale, Sir Matthew [1609-1676]. Pleas of the Crown. Or a Methodical Summary of the Principal Matters Relating to that Subject. London: Printed by the Assigns of Richard Atkyns and Edward Atkyns Esquires, For William Shrewsbury at the Bible in Duck-Lane, And John Leigh at the Blew Bell in Fleet-Street, 1678. [xvi], 272, [8] pp. Octavo (6-3/4" x 4-1/2"). Contemporary sheep, blind rules to boards, blind fillets and fragment of later hand-lettered label to spine, early hand-lettered title to fore-edge of text block. Light rubbing and faint staining to boards, which are slightly bowed, large scuff near upper outside corner of front boards, light fading to spine, chipping to spine ends, rear joint just starting at head, corners bumped and somewhat worn, hinges cracked, front free endpaper lacking. Light toning to interior, faint dampstaining to lower outside corner of text block, later owner stamp ("Sheppard") to title page. $1,250. * First edition, second issue. This landmark study went through seven editions and was revised and reissued, as a much-expanded work, in 1736. "Hale was able to suggest a methodical arrangement of English law, which was at once scientific and practical. (...) Historically [Pleas of the Crown] is interesting as the first attempt to introduce some order into this branch of the law" (Holdsworth). The first issue of this title, also from 1678, has a different pagination and does not identify Hale as the author. Holdsworth, A History of English Law VI:590-91. English Short-Title Catalogue R12164.
Price: $1,250.00
Book number 75380