Full Description
Fortescue's dialogue in praise of the laws of England, written for the instruction of Henry VI's son, is one of the essential sources for English legal history, and has always been renowned among lawyers for its lucidity of style and for the unique account it gives of the workings of contemporary English law. In addition, Fortescue's practical experience, and the leisure that he has in exile to read and reflect upon political questions, made him both an original politician thinker and a statesman who could suggest practical reforms. This 1949 edition provides a Latin text derived directly from the earliest MSS, a translation avoiding assumptions from later history, and critical annotation often based on original research.
Contents
General preface: the age of Littleton and Fortescue; Editor's preface; Chronology of Fortescue's life; Part I. Introduction: 1. Fortescue's life and works; 2. The De Laudibus Legum Angelie; 3. The arguments; 4. Estimates and conclusions; Part II. De Laudibus Legum Angelie; Part III. Text and Translation; Part IV. Notes to the text; Appendices; Index.
