Oxford's variorum edition of William Blackstone's seminal treatise on the common law of England and Wales offers the definitive account of the Commentaries' development in a modern format. For the first time it is possible to trace the evolution of English law and Blackstone's thought through the eight editions of Blackstone's lifetime, and the authorial corrections of the posthumous ninth edition. Introductions by the general editor and the volume editors set the Commentaries in their historical context, examining Blackstone's distinctive view of the common law, and editorial notes throughout the four volumes assist the modern reader in understanding this key text in the Anglo-American common law tradition. Book I: Of the Rights of People Volume Editor: David Lemmings Book II: Of the Rights of Things Volume Editor: Simon Stern Book III: Of Private Wrongs Volume Editor: Thomas P. Gallanis Book IV: Of Public Wrongs Volume Editor: Ruth Paley

About the Author
Sir William Blackstone (1723-1780) was a prominent public figure in the eighteenth century. Judge and jurist, barrister and politician, his work has had a profound influence on the Anglo-American legal tradition. The first Vinerian Professor of English Law, Blackstone was a Justice of the Court of Common Pleas at the time of his death. The Commentaries published in eight editions in his lifetime, and a posthumous ninth edition in 1783.

Reviews
a unique and valuable contribution to scholarship ... future scholars will benefit immensely from this exceptionally valuable contribution to legal history. * Ian Williams, The Journal of Legal History *
Blackstone's Commentaries remain a central source for understanding both historical and modern Anglo-American law - as well as many debates in Anglo-American legal philosophy - and Oxford University Press's new edition of the Commentaries offers a valuable new resource for studying them. * Brian Bix, Frederick W. Thomas Professor of Law and Philosophy, Jotwell *
Reading the Commentaries sheds light on the character of English law before the establishment of legal positivism, and for that reason it may hold a special interest for scholars. * Dick Helmholz, New Rambler *



Book Information
ISBN 9780199600984
Author William Blackstone
Page Count 1784
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Weight(grams) 3106g
Dimensions(mm) 247mm * 172mm * 93mm