2004
by Whishaw, James
2004. ISBN-13: 9781584773597; ISBN-10: 1584773596. Whishaw, James. A New Law Dictionary: Containing a Concise Exposition of the Mere Terms of Art, and Such Obsolete Words as Occur in Old Legal, Historical and Antiquarian Writers. London: J. & W.T. Clarke, 1829. viii, 342 pp. Reprinted 2004 by The Lawbook Exchange, Ltd. ISBN-13: 9781584773597; ISBN-10: 1584773596. Hardcover. New. $75. * Whishaw [1808-1879], a member of Gray's Inn, set out to produce a law dictionary in the tradition of Rastell, which would offer "the exposition of the common terms and phrases of the Law" (Preface p. vi) in a concise manner unlike the voluminous dictionaries that were being produced contemporaneously. Although intended as a simplification of terms and created for the young lawyer, this is by no means a dictionary merely for the novice. Whishaw included French, Latin and English words and phrases as well as "obsolete words" from "old legal, historical and antiquarian writers" and cited early law books and dictionaries in the entries (Cowell, Blount, Hale's Pleas of the Crown, etc.). This dictionary went into a later edition in 1832. In 1835 Whishaw published A synopsis of the members of the English bar. This important work remains uncommon institutionally and in the trade. (Inventory #: 37827)