Addington, William Abridgement of penal statutes London 1778
Addington, William. An abridgement of penal statutes, which exhibits at one view, in the following manner, the offences; punishments or penalties; mode of recovery; application of penalties, &c.; number of witnesses; what justices; the enacting statues. London: printed by W. Strahan and M. Woodfall; for the author, (whose name is signed by himself on the title-page of each book); and sold by Mr. payne; Mr. Walter; Mr. Almon; Mr. Robson; Mr. Flexney; Mr. Baldwin; Mr. Whieldon; Mess. Richardson and Urquhart; Mr. Clarke; and by appointment at Mr. Hall's, stationer, n.d. (1778?). (4)657(1), (62) pp. 4to, contemporary calf, brown morocco label (spine rubbed and a bit worn at the tips, joints cracked, but firm). Second edition, but the first in this format; first published as an oblong octavo in 1775. A massive tabular catalogue of 3920 offences, compiled by "one of the assisting magistrates of the police, at the Publick Office, Bow-Street." Signed by the author on the title-page, as were all copies. At the foot is the following printed note: "The author, from the great expence of printing this work, finds it necessary to publish it on his own account; but any of the trade, to whom the usual allowance will be made, may have what number they please, and for the convenience of gentleman the same may be had of Mr. Addington, at the Public Office in Bow-Street." Early ownership stamp of Thomas Thistlethwayte on the front pastedown, with his signature on the title-page. Some worming in the lower margin of the first few leaves, otherwise a very good copy of a scarce legal handbook.
£225
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