A New Law-Dictionary: Containing the Interpretation and Definition

1772. London, 1772. 9th ed. London, 1772. 9th ed. Ninth Edition of Jacob's Great Dictionary Jacob, Giles [1686-1744]. Ruffhead, Owen [1723-1769], Editor. Morgan, John, Editor. A New Law-Dictionary: Containing the Interpretation and Definition of Words and Terms Used in the Law; As Also the Law and Practice, Under the Proper Heads and Titles. Together With Such Learning as Explains the History and Antiquity of the Law: Our Manners, Customs, And Original Government. Collected and Abstracted From All Dictionaries, Abridgments, Institutes, Commentaries, Reports, Year-Books, Charters, Registers, Chronicles, And Histories, Published to This Time. Adapted for the Use of Barristers, Students, and Practisers of the Law, Members of Parliament, Justices of Peace, Clergymen, And Other Gentlemen &c. London: Printed by W. Strahan and M. Woodfall, 1772. [ii], iv, [972] pp. Main text printed in parallel columns. Folio (13-1/2" x 8-3/4"). Contemporary calf, rebacked in period style, blind fillets to boards, raised bands, lettering piece and gilt author name and date to spine, hinges mended. Light rubbing and some minor scuffs and scratches to boards, moderate rubbing to extremities, corners bumped and somewhat worn, owner signature (Rev. George Nibbs/ Ejus Liber/ June the 26. 1818) to front free endpaper. Light toning to text, somewhat heavier in places, light soiling to a few leaves. $750. * Ninth edition, "Corrected and Greatly Enlarged." As Cowley has pointed out, A New Law-Dictionary was both Jacob's masterpiece and "an entirely new departure in legal literature" that provided a model for several subsequent efforts. In contrast to earlier works, each entry summarizes all of the laws relating to the subject and offers extensive interpretive commentary. Obsolete terms are omitted. It was recognized almost immediately that Jacob created a highly useful legal encyclopedia that was more detailed and concise than any other abridgment of the period. An extremely popular work that went through twelve editions between 1729 and 1800, it offers unparalleled insights into Anglo-American law during the eighteenth century. Cowley, A Bibliography of Abridgements, Digests, Dictionaries and Indexes to the Year 1800 217. English Short-Title Catalogue T137464.