"THE MOST PERSPICUOUS METHOD OF TEACHING THE LAW IS BY REPORTS": 1775 FOLIO EDITION OF A DIGEST OF ADJUDGED CASES IN THE COURT OF THE KING'S BENCH

(LAW—ENGLAND) (KING'S BENCH). A Digest of Adjudged Cases in the Court of the King's Bench, from the Revolution to the Present Period. London: Printed by W. Strahan, and M. Woodfall… for G. Kearsly… and G. Robinson, 1775. Large folio (10 by 14-1/2 inches), contemporary full calf rebacked, retaining original spine label, raised bands. $900.

Second edition of an exhaustive attempt to digest every King's Bench decision from the Glorious Revolution to more than midway through the tenure of Lord Mansfield—an impressive folio edition.

Covering cases from the end of the Glorious Revolution to 1773, this digest was intended for the "younger part of the profession" that lacked the resources to build a library of reporters or the time to compile a digest of cases. "The [adjudications] of the Court of King's Bench alone, as they now lie scattered in a vast number of different volumes, are so voluminous and expensive, as to exceed the ability of the younger part of the profession to purchase; and to search and examine a variety of books for a particular case, requires more time and attention than the practitioner can spare, without neglecting the necessary duties of his office" (Preface). First published with the same format and pagination in 1773. ESTC T97355. Booklabel.

Foxing to endpapers, first few and last few leaves; interior generally clean. Light edge-wear to title page, not affecting letterpress. Scuffing and abrasions to calf covers, expert restoration to corners. A very good folio.