Reports and Cases of Law: Argued and Adjudged in the Courts of Law, at Westminster.

Contrary to the title pages of these four parts, the Cases cover the period 31Hen. VIII to 13 Jac.I (1540-1615). These Reports were originally gathered and written in Law French by William Leonard, covering the Kings Bench, Common Pleas and Exchequer Courts at Westminster.

They were translated into English and published by William Hughes. (Both were from Grays Inn).It is now unusual to get all four parts of the First Editions together in one volume.

• Part 1:1658, ESTC R22427. [12],336,[8]p.
• Part 2:1659,ESTC R200651. [8],226,[6]p.
• Part 3:1663, ESTC R200652. [12],279,[12]p.
• Part 4: 1675, ESTC R16548 [12],252,[12]p.

It would appear [according to ESTC] that although the tables are present in part 3 there perhaps should be an index and the last 12 un-numbered pages should therefore be {56]. Wallace States ' "Leonard's Reports" says Sir Edward Sugden, "were always in high estimation"... confirmed by Lord Nottingham... "one of the best books which have lately come out"... also by Sir George Treby'. Original boards, recently rebacked to match, five raised bands, maroon title piece, dates at foot of spine gilt lettered.

Scarce collection of the first editions of all four parts, paper quality good, save for first three pages of part one which are over-laid with tissue, for preservation. A little foxing throughout. Some neat marginalia in an early hand to parts 1-3; signature of W.Wilson on title, plain name plate of John Becke, Northampton (a 19th Cent.Solicitor) on f.e.p.

• Book Condition: Very Good
• Binding: Full Calf, Rebacked/Cornered
  Reports
  And
  Cases
  Of
  Law
  Argued and Adjudged in the Courts at
  Westminster
  In the Time of the late
  QUEEN ELIZABETH
  From the 18th to the 33th year of her reign;
  Collected by a Learned Professor of the Law,
  William Leonard, Esquire,
  Then of the Honorable Society of Grays-Inne.
  Faithfully Rendered into English out of the Originall Copy,
  By W.H. Esq;

  London,
  Printed by Tho. Roycroft, for Nath. Elkins and
  are to be sold at his shop at the Sign of the Gun
  in S. Pauls-Church-yard, 1659.