De Laudibus Legum Anglie

This 1949 edition of Fortescue's dialogue in praise of the laws of England provides a Latin text derived directly from the earliest MSS.

John Fortescue (Author), S. B. Chrimes (Edited and translated by)

9781107601246, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 30 June 2011

350 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.51 kg

Fortescue's dialogue in praise of the laws of England, written for the instruction of Henry VI's son, is one of the essential sources for English legal history, and has always been renowned among lawyers for its lucidity of style and for the unique account it gives of the workings of contemporary English law. In addition, Fortescue's practical experience, and the leisure that he has in exile to read and reflect upon political questions, made him both an original politician thinker and a statesman who could suggest practical reforms. This 1949 edition provides a Latin text derived directly from the earliest MSS, a translation avoiding assumptions from later history, and critical annotation often based on original research.

General preface: the age of Littleton and Fortescue
Editor's preface
Chronology of Fortescue's life
Part I. Introduction: 1. Fortescue's life and works
2. The De Laudibus Legum Angelie
3. The arguments
4. Estimates and conclusions
Part II. De Laudibus Legum Angelie
Part III. Text and Translation
Part IV. Notes to the text
Appendices
Index.

Subject Areas: Legal history [LAZ]