The Traveller's Guide, and, the Country's Safety. Being a declaration of the laws of England against high-way-men, or robbers upon the road; what is necessary and requisite to be done by such persons as are robbed in order to the recovering their damages; against whom they are to bring their action, and the manner how it ought to be brought. Illustrated with variety of law cases, historical remarks, customs, usages antiquities and authentick authorities.

J.M.

Published by London Printed by the assigns of Richard and Edward Atkins for Langley Curtis on Ludgate Hill and Thomas Simons at the Prince's Arms in Ludgate Street, 1683

About this Item

First edition; 12mo (15 x 9 cm); 5pp ads to rear, dated MS inscription in pen to front pastedown, hinges reinforced at endpapers, small waterstain to upper gutter margin of first two gatherings; contemporary blind-ruled sheep, rebacked, original spine laid-down, later red morocco lettering-piece, corners a little rubbed, slightly bowed, very good; [10], 127, [5]pp. The first edition of this scarce legal guide offering advice to weary travellers on the roads of Stuart England during the great age of highwaymen. The text opens with a definition of robbery â " 'the felonious taking of any thing from the person or another against his will' â " and advice on how to report the crime and gain restitution of the stolen goods. Further sections deal with the raising of the 'Hue and Cry', the alarm whereby bystanders are summoned to assist with the apprehension of an offender, the various statutes concerning robbery, and the oath to be taken before a Justice of the Peace by the complainant. Little is known of the author 'J.M.', who also published an account of the Bloudy Murther of Thomas Thyn, Esq., a politician attacked and killed whilst riding in his coach on Pall Mall the year before. ESTC R2818; Wing 50; Arber Term cat. II p.7; Bibliotheca Legum p.89; Bibliotheca Cooperiana 74.

Seller Inventory # 115387

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Traveller's Guide, and, the Country's Safety. Being a declaration of the laws of England against high-way-men, or robbers upon the road; what is necessary and requisite to be done by such persons as are robbed in order to the recovering their damages; against whom they are to bring their action, and the manner how it ought to be brought. Illustrated with variety of law cases, historical remarks, customs, usages antiquities and authentick authorities.
• Publisher: London Printed by the assigns of Richard and Edward Atkins for Langley Curtis on Ludgate Hill and Thomas Simons at the Prince's Arms in Ludgate Street
• Publication Date: 1683
• Edition: 1st Edition