New Commentaries on the Laws of England. 4 Vols

2005. ISBN-13: 9781584774938; ISBN-10: 1584774932. A Masterwork of Jurisprudence and the Definitive Victorian Successor to Blackstone Stephen, Henry John. New Commentaries on the Laws of England (Partly Founded on Blackstone). Originally published: London: H. Butterworth, 1841-1845. 4 volumes. Folding table. xxvi, 588; xii, 622; xii, 744; x, 572 pp. Reprinted 2005 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN-13: 9781584774938. ISBN-10: 1584774932. Very attractive smyth sewn blue cloth bound hardcovers with rounded spines and gilt stamped green spine labels. New. $350. * Reprint of the uncommon first (London) edition. A cornerstone of 19th-century jurisprudence, this comprehensive set represents the first major modernization of Sir William Blackstone's seminal work. Originally published between 1841 and 1845 by H. Butterworth in London, Stephen's New Commentaries became the definitive exposition of English law for generations, eventually reaching twenty editions by 1938. Stephen preserved Blackstone's iconic topical arrangement while meticulously updating the text to reflect contemporary 19th-century legal shifts. Sections retained from Blackstone's original text are clearly distinguished with square brackets, allowing readers to track the evolution of common law. Legal historian A.V. Dicey noted that while founded on Blackstone, this was an "original production" marked by Stephen's consummate logical power and singular precision. It effectively bridged the gap between the 18th-century "rights of persons and things" and the burgeoning complexities of Victorian-era property, contract, and criminal law. This work is a vital acquisition for legal historians, and those interested in the foundational texts of the English Common Law. Laeuchli, A Bibliographical Catalog of William Blackstone 511.