THE CASE OF DRED SCOTT IN THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT. THE FULL OPINIONS OF CHIEF JUSTICE TANEY AND JUSTICE CURTIS, AND ABSTRACTS OF THE OPINIONS OF THE OTHER JUDGES; WITH AN ANALYSIS OF THE POINTS RULED, AND SOME CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS.
New York: Greeley & McElrath, 1857. 104pp, in later half leather. Upper corners of first two leaves renewed, costing several letters on page 4. Else, a couple of fox spots and an otherwise clean and Very Good text.
The Dred Scott case "is the most famous legal case involving slavery," "the most controversial decision of the century, and perhaps in the history of the Supreme Court" [Finkelman]. "This pamphlet contains the two most important opinions in the case-- those of Chief Justice Taney and Associate Justice Benjamin Robbins Curtis of Massachusetts,"[id.], and summaries of the other opinions.
In addition, an 'Analysis of Points Ruled, and Opinions Delivered,' is printed. One of the earliest such efforts, it is of some importance because, each Justice having expressed his views, heavy brain work was necessary to figure out exactly what a majority of the Court had decided. Finally, 'The Voice of New York' is expressed, consisting of the report of a Joint Legislative Committee at Albany. It denounces the "serious and alarming doctrines" that may "bring slavery within our borders."
FIRST EDITION. Finkelman 50. Blockson 2556. Work 345 (1860 ed. only). Sabin 78257. Cohen 11889. Item #38524
Price: $750.00