STORY'S FIRST BOOK: A LANDMARK OF AMERICAN LEGAL PRACTICE

STORY, Joseph. A Selection of Pleadings in Civil Actions, Subsequent to the Declaration. Salem: Barnard B. Macanulty, 1805. Octavo, period-style full marbled calf, raised bands, original red morocco spine label laid down. $3000.

First edition of the first published book by "the most commanding legal figure of his age" (Hall, 841), handsomely bound.

"The appearance of this volume was opportune and serviceable to the Profession in this country, who had hitherto been obliged to resort to the voluminous books of English Entries for Precedents. The notes and references show that the author had made no ordinary attainments in the science of special Pleading, at the early age [of 26] in which his first attempt at legal authorship was published" (Marvin, 668). Six years later Story was appointed to a Supreme Court still very much in its formative stages. He served with distinction for 34 years and was a defining influence on the early Court. With six-page publisher's catalogue of law books bound in at rear. Sowerby, Catalogue of the Library of Thomas Jefferson 2156. HLC II:674. NYU 312.

Last few leaves of Index and advertisements dampstained at lower corner, text generally quite clean, period-style binding fine and handsome.