Manwood's Treatise of the Forest Laws: Shewing Not only the Laws now in Force, but the Original of Forests, what they are, and how They differ from Cases, Parks, and Warrens; with all such Things as are incident to either

Description:

Fourth edition, corrected and enlarged. Manwood had a first version of his book printed for private circulation, in or about 1592, as A Brefe Collection of the Lawes of the Forest; an enlarged edition, with twenty chapters, was published in 1598 as A Treatise and Discourse of the Lawes of the Forrest. Manwood died in 1610 and a posthumous edition followed in 1615, which was further enlarged by the insertion of five chapters on forest courts taken from the private edition but omitted in 1598 (this version was reprinted in 1665). The present copy - fourth edition (1717) - was produced by William Nelson of the Middle Temple, with the material rearranged under alphabetical headings in modernized English. Nelson states in the Preface: 'This Treatise of the Forest Laws was first published about the later End of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, and hath been so well received as to admit several impressions; but 'tis now so very scarce, that it may be necessary to send it (once more) to the press, for 'tis the only valuable Book written on the subject'.

John Manwood (d. 1610), legal writer, best known for his book on forest law, the only substantial work on the subject ever to reach the press. Some of the author’s expertise in the forest law was gained by practical experience as gamekeeper of Waltham Forest, and as a justice of the New Forest, which stimulated him to read the law books and records on the subject. (ODNB)

Condition

8vo, recased in cont. calf boards, scuffed, new endpapers; rebacked, recent calf in matching style, raised bands, gt rules. Marginal worming to title-page and the first 20-pages professionally restored, title-page re-laid; a couple of small marginal worm holes continue through the first third of the book; short tear to leaves B1-2; ; one gathering starting. Some browning/light staining throughout.