COMMENTARIES ON THE LAWS OF ENGLAND. IN FOUR BOOKS. BY SIR WILLIAM BLACKSTONE, KNT., ONE OF THE LATE JUSTICES OF HIS BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. IN FOUR VOLUMES. SECOND AMERICAN EDITION, CAREFULLY REPRINTED FROM THE LAST LONDON EDITION. CONTAINING THE LAST CORRECTIONS OF THE AUTHOR, THE ADDITIONS BY RICHARD BURN, LL.D. AND CONTINUED TO THE PRESENT TIME, BY JOHN WILLIAMS, ESQ.
Boston: I. Thomas and E.T. Andrews, 1799. Four volumes: Vol. I: port. frontis of Blackstone, iv, [5]-8, [1]-512; Vol. II: vi, 520, xviii, two plates [one folding]; Vol. III: vi, 455, [1], xxviii; Vol. IV: vi, 442, vii, [53 Index] pp [as issued]. Bound in contemporary sheep, old institutional bookplate on front pastedowns, rebacked in period style, new gilt-lettered morocco spine labels. Scattered foxing, light wear [a couple of tears with minor effect on a few words]. Very Good.
The third and last 18th century American printing, preceded by Philadelphia and Worcester printings. Marvin's learned discussion explains that Richard Burn added, in the 1783 9th edition, "a few notes and corrections to those left in manuscript by the author at his death." John Williams made "some slight additions" in the 10th and 11th editions, published in 1787 and 1791, respectively.
Evans 35211. Marvin 122 note. Cohen 5316. NAIP w030417. Item #28415
Price: $1,500.00