1734 · London
by [Leeward Islands Laws]
London, 1734. 15,[1],24,[4],25-231,[31]pp. Folio. Modern half calf and marbled boards, spine gilt, morocco label. Small institutional blindstamp on titlepage. Light, even age-toning; very slight foxing. Very good. The first collected printing of British laws for Antigua and the Leeward Islands, and a primary source on the administration of justice in the West Indies in the 18th century. After consolidating their power over most of the Leeward Islands in the late 17th century, the British set about instituting a uniform code of laws. Most of the laws were passed on and pertain to Antigua, the largest island in the group and the British colonial headquarters in the Leeward Islands. A handful of acts refer particularly to Nevis. Many of the laws date to as far back as the 1660s and '70s. The entire gamut of judicial, economic, and social intercourse is covered, including the establishment of a legal system, rules governing servants and laborers, weights and measures, agriculture, trade, and the local militia. Several acts address the issues of slavery and free Blacks. With an index. OCLC locates twelve copies. A scarce and crucial collection of laws for this important outpost of the British empire. BEINECKE LESSER ANTILLES COLLECTION 163. EUROPEAN AMERICANA 734/117. SABIN 12025, 10891. OCLC 13128040.
(Inventory #: WRCAM32681)