THE ACTS OF PARLIAMENT, 1529: 21ST YEAR OF HENRY VIII'S REIGN

(HENRY VIII) PARLIAMENT. [Acts]. Anno XXI Henrici VIII. Statuta ad Remp. spectantia, edita in prima sessione parliamenti… (London: Thomae Bertholeti), [1551?]. Slim folio (8 by 11-1/2 inches), modern full paneled mottled calf, raised bands. $3200.

Early edition of the Parliamentary Acts of 1529, featuring 21 important acts, finely printed in black-letter with lovely historiated woodcut initials, attractively bound.

The 21 Acts of the eventful Parliament of 1529 include the branding of felons to identify them subsequently, the creation of the writ of restitution, and the first instance of more lenient treatment of youthful criminals. The Parliamentary Acts offer insight into the early years of the English Reformation, reflecting the social and political change that marked that era. First published in 1530, with several editions or issues following, all undated; STC places this as the eighth edition, with an estimated publication date of 1551. STC 9367. One instance of early ink marginalia and underlining, at the act of restitution for goods feloniously stolen.

A few faint dampstains, strictly marginal, text quite fresh. An attractively bound, wide-margined copy in fine condition.