Law and Legal History

Law and Legal History.

A collection of four works in three volumes, comprising:

i) [John Fortescue.] A learned commendation of the politique lawes of Englande. [London: Richard Tottell, 1567.] 8vo (145 x 100mm), parallel English and Latin texts in roman and black letter, modern calf, some light waterstaining

ii) [Christopher St German.] The Dialoges in English. The dialoges in English, betwene a Docter of Diuinity, and a student in the lawes of England, newly corrected and imprinted, with new additions. [London: Richard Tottell, 1580.] 8vo (150 x 110mm), early marginal annotations, contemporary blind-stamped calf, rebacked to style, an attractive copy

iii) [William Staunford.] Les Plees del Coron, diuisees in plusors titles & comon lieux. London: Richard Tottell, 1574. [bound with:]

iv) William Staunford. An exposition of the Kinges Prerogative. London: Richard Tottell, 1573.

4to (205 x 155mm), modern calf preserving contemporary panelled calf covers stamped in blind with small centrepiece surrounded by initials R and F, handwritten shelf number on reverse to title page of first work

A group of Elizabethan law books. All of these works were published by Richard Tottell (c.1528-1593), who was granted an exclusive monopoly on books concerning the common law in 1553. Tottell maintained this monopoly for the remainder of his career, despite considerable pressure from other stationers.

PROVENANCE:

i): "Arthur Dowell me possedet"

iii)-iv): Swann, 2 May 2005, lot 118

LITERATURE:

i) ESTC 102454

ii) ESTC S116367

iii) ESTC S117813

iv) ESTC S117815