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One Millionth Volume Arrives

A folio manuscript book, vellum-bound with Russian leather bands in brown and green front and back, 632 p., with leaves missing (cancellerans), n. d. [possibly 1789]. From the law books collection of John Scott, Lord Eldon (1751-1838), at the Middle Temple Library, London, England, now at the Edward Bennett Williams Law Library, Georgetown University Law Center.

The Catalogue of Lord Chancellor Eldon's Law Books, by H.A.C. Sturgess (1934) indicates that this may be Sir Henry Spelman's book, and Mr. Sturgess entitles it [A Commentary on the Laws of England]. It is not dated, and there is some question whether this is in fact by Sir Henry Spelman (1534?-1641). The handwriting is possibly from the mid to late 18th century and is the same throughout, except for pencil annotations by Lord Eldon. A preservation sheet inserted into the volume indicates that this manuscript book may date from 1789. Citations to cases, digests and primary materials do go beyond the mid-1700s.

Handwritten inscription in the upper right-hand corner of the front flyleaf:

Geo: Markett
Temple 21st Febry 1787

This book was collected by the late Henry
Spelman Esqre and given me by his
great Nephew Geo. Western Esqre . GM

 

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