FIRST EDITION OF CHRISTOPHER HATTON’S TREATISE CONCERNING STATUTES, 1677

HATTON, Christopher. A Treatise Concerning Statutes, or Acts of Parliament: and the Exposition thereof. London: Richard Tonson, 1677. 16mo, 18th-century full speckled calf neatly rebacked, raised bands; pp. [16], 85, [3]. $1650.

First edition of this legal treatise by Queen Elizabeth I’s Vice-Chamberlain and Lord Chancellor.

Sir Christopher Hatton (c. 1540-1591) was Queen Elizabeth I's advisor and close confidante. Though Hatton held numerous official positions within Queen Elizabeth's government from Lord Chancellor to Vice-Chamberlain of the royal household, he was perhaps most notable as the man Elizabeth called her "mouton." In fact, while Mary, Queen of Scots, was among only a few to publicly make the allegation that Elizabeth had taken Hatton as her lover, many shared her opinion. Whatever the case, Hatton was highly influential during Elizabeth's reign and deftly carried out her instructions. He also participated in actions such as the trial of Babington and served on the commission that found Mary guilty of treason. "Regarded as most likely to know Elizabeth's real mind, he was appointed lord chancellor in 1587, when any shortfall in legal training was outweighed by impartiality, common sense and Star Chamber experience; his moderate attitude that 'neither fire nor steel' should be used in settling religious matters helped maintain internal quiet" (Oxford Companion to British History). Wing H1142. Sweet & Maxwell 21.I.8. Harvard Law Library, I:891. Occasional pencil marginalia.

Text generally clean; early restoration to slightly rounded corners. A very good copy of this scarce treatise.