This summer’s online auction of antique books includes many rare early works on the subject of law, including some signed by men of importance in legal history such as Edward Finch, and Judge James Reynolds of England.
A highlight includes a wonderful set from the working library of Constantine Phipps, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, featuring his personal bookplate, dated 1703.
Other items of interest include a rare, early Geneva Bible; an illuminated leaf from a Bible dated 1260; a 1749 copy of Cervantes’ classic, Don Quixote; and a wonderfully illustrated two-volume set of Robinson Crusoe.
(1743) Alexander Pope’s “The Iliad of Homer”. Complete 6 volume set of The Iliad of Homer, finely bound, plus all plates. This set includes the all-important foldouts “The Shield of Achilles” and The Map of Perygia. Published by Henry Lintot in 1743.
(1542) Heinrich Glarean, History Livy Roman Chronology. Immensely rare 1542 two-volume set of Swiss Theorist Heinrich Glarean works on the Chronology of the Romans and Roman Historian Titus Livius (Livy). This two-volume set contains both pull out tables/engravings along with intricately engraved initials.
(1727) The Works Of John Locke, 3 Vol Folio, Signed. Third edition of “The Works of John Locke in Three Volumes”, published 1727, originally part of the working library of British diplomat Edward Finch (c.1697 – 1771). Features Finch’s bookplate and signature.
(1766-1769) Commentaries on the Laws of England, William Blackstone, 1st/2nd. William Blackstone’s “Commentaries on the Laws of England”, dated 1766 – 1769. Contemporary full calf bindings, raised bands in mixed state. Four quarto volumes leather title labels to spines with gilt lettering. The set is complete with large foldout and table on “Consanguinity” and “Descents”.
(1683) Reports of George Croke, 3 Vol Set, Library of Judge James Reynolds. Rare and important three volume set in folio of “The First Reports of Sir George Croke” from the working library of British Judge James Reynolds. These three folio volumes were once part of the personal library of famed English Judge James Reynolds (1684–1747) of Lincoln’s Inn, London. Reynolds has signed all three volumes with a flourish and the words ‘Reynolds of Lincoln’s Inn’. Also possibly a brief annotation in his hand.
(1682 – 1711) Modern Reports, 5 Volumes, Library of Constantine Phipps. Full calf leather set of “Modern Reports or Selected Cases Adjudged in the Courts”, in five volumes, complete. Originally part of the library of Constantine Phipps, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland. Includes the important provenance of Phipp’s 1703 bookplate.