The Great Charter and Charter of the Forest, with other Authentic Instruments: to which is prefixed an Introductory Discourse, Containing the History of the Charters

Blackstone, Sir William, editor

Published by Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1759

About this Item

First Blackstone edition, large paper copy. With 14 engraved initials depicting public buildings in Oxford, 12 engraved tailpieces. Pp. [1: title], [2: blank] [3: engraved dedication leaf] [4: blank], [i]-lxxvi, [4], [1]-86. 1 vols. Large 4to (10-1/2 x 13-15/16 inches). An outstanding large-paper copy of one of the finest products of the Clarendon Press, the monumental edition of the Magna Carta under the editorship of the eminent jurist Sir William Blackstone. "It contains the articles of the Barons, the issues of the Great Charter in 1215, 1216 and 1217, with several charters of confirmation, the Charter of the Forest, and the Statute of Marlebridge. In a long introduction Blackstone traces the history of the Charter and gives an account of the various manuscripts known to him" (DNB II: 597). With beautifully engraved initials in text, depicting views of Oxford public buildings and tail-piece vignettes of royal seals, and engraved dedication leaf. A very desirable wide-margined copy. Scarce. Higgs 2105; Marvin, 127; Eller 237; Rothschild 406 Near contemporary red sheepskin gilt, fine period facsimile spine gilt with black morocco label. Sporadic light spotting to a few leaves With 14 engraved initials depicting public buildings in Oxford, 12 engraved tailpieces. Pp. [1: title], [2: blank] [3: engraved dedication leaf] [4: blank], [i]-lxxvi, [4], [1]-86. 1 vols. Large 4to (10-1/2 x 13-15/16 inches) First Blackstone edition, large paper copy.

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Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Great Charter and Charter of the Forest, with other Authentic Instruments: to which is prefixed an Introductory Discourse, Containing the History of the Charters
• Publisher: Clarendon Press, Oxford
• Publication Date: 1759
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