The English Lawyer, Describing A Method for the Managing of the Lawes

London, 1631. Sole ed. Advice for the Seventeenth-Century English Law Student Doddridge, Sir John [1555-1628]. The English Lawyer. Describing a Method for the Managing of the Lawes of this Land. And Expressing the Best Qualities Requisite in the Student, Practizer, Judges and Fathers of the Same. London: Printed by the Assignes of I. More Esq, 1631. [viii], 271, [1] pp. Quarto (7" x 5"; 17.8 x 12.7 cm). Contemporary limp vellum with yapp-style fore-edges, blind rules and corner fleurons to boards, later gilt rules and calf lettering piece to spine, early hand-lettered title to fore-edge of text block. Negligible light soiling to boards, which are slightly bowed, spine ends lightly bumped. Moderate toning to interior, light browning to margins, light soiling and edgewear to endleaves and title page, brief annotations in miniscule early hand to a few leaves. A very good copy overall. $2,500. * Only edition. Intended to advise law students, this important book offers insight into the qualities of a good lawyer and the fundamental nature of law. Regarding the specifics of legal education, he discusses the best methods of study and information on the sources and principles of English law. He also provides reading lists, advice on personal demeanor and education preliminary to legal study. Holdsworth said it was the "most notable" book of its kind. As distinguished a jurist as Coke and Bacon, Doddridge (sometimes spelled Dodderidge) was a counselor of the King's Bench, a Serjeant for Prince Henry, Solicitor-General, a Member of Parliament and the author of five important works, all published posthumously. "Dodderidge [Doddridge], Sir John," Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (accessed online). Holdsworth, A History of English Law V:397-398. English Short-Title Catalogue S109764.…