3.196 Ergebnisse
1849Best.-Nr. 755061849. London: W.M. Clark 1849. London: W.M. Clark 1849. The Murders at Stanfield Hall Trial. Rush James Blomfield d.1849 Defendant. A Full Report of the Trial of James Blomfield Rush for the Murder of Mr. Jermy and his Son Of Stanfield Hall In the County of Norfolk; Commencing on Wednesday March 28 And Concluded April 4 1849 At Norwich Assizes. London: Printed and Published by W.M. Clark 1849. 8 102 pp. Woodcut title page vignette and 4 unnumbered leaves of woodcut portraits and illustrations. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5". Contemporary three-quarter sheep over marbled boards rebacked with lettering piece to spine hinges mended. Light rubbing to boards moderate rubbing to board edges corners bumped and lightly worn. Moderate toning to interior light soiling in a few places a few mostly partial cracks in text block all leaves secure trimming affecting last line of text on p. 91 without loss to legibility. $125. Thirtieth stated edition one of several from the same year. Rush a delinquent tenant of Isaac Jermy and his son devised a plan to kill the two men their servant and the son's wife and blame the murders on rival claimants to the Jermy estate. He succeeded in killing the Jermys but failed to kill Mrs. Jermy and the servant who survived to identify him. Popularly known as the "murders at Stanfield Hall" the killings became a national sensation with a wax figure of Rush displayed prominently at Madame Tussauds. unknown books
1873Best.-Nr. 755221873. Baltimore Gazette Printers 1873. 59 pp. Baltimore Gazette Printers 1873. 59 pp. A Case of Insurance Fraud and Murder Trial. Goss Eliza Waters Defendant. Udderzook William E. Defendant. The Goss-Udderzook Tragedy: Being a History of a Strange Case of Deception and Murder Including the Great Life Insurance Case and the Trial of William E. Udderzook for the Murder of W.S. Goss. Baltimore: Baltimore Gazette Printers 1873. 59 pp. Woodcut portrait frontispiece of Goss. Text printed in parallel columns. Octavo 9" x 5-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlet in printed wrappers. Wrappers starting to separate at head and lightly edgeworn light rubbing and discoloration to extremities some wear to spine ends light toning to text. $35. Udderzook collaborated with Goss his brother in law to defraud Goss' life insurance company. He put a cadaver stolen from a medical school in Goss' house and set the house on fire. Udderzook and the widow Goss managed to collect the insurance but the authorities were suspicious and an investigation followed. Udderzook was hiding Goss under various disguises but when the investigation became intense he lost his nerve and murdered Goss. The case fell into place soon afterwards. McDade The Annals of Murder 1012. unknown books
1841Best.-Nr. 757151841. The Times Testimonial. London 1841. Rare. The Times Testimonial. London 1841. Rare. Probably the Most Detailed Account of a Nineteenth-Century Financial Swindle Trial. Hughes W. Hughes Editor. "The Times" Testimonial: Report of the Trial of the Action Bogle Versus Lawson For a Libel Published in "The Times" London-Newspaper Tried at the Summer Assizes for the Country of Surrey Held at Croydon Monday August 16 1841 Before the Right Honourable Sir Nicholas Conyngham Tindal Knt. Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas And a Special Jury; Together with the Proceedings of a Public Meeting of Merchants Bankers and Others Held at the Mansion House London Friday October 1 1841 On the Subject of Such Action And of the Committee then Appointed; And Also a List of Subscribers to "The Times" Testimonial. Published by the Committee. London: John Hatchard and Son Henry Butterworth and Pelham Richardson 1841. 179 1 pp. Half-title lacking. Octavo 8-1/5" x 5-1/2". Contemporary three-quarter calf over marbled boards later lettering piece to spine endpapers renewed. Light rubbing to boards moderate rubbing to extremities owner bookplate Geoffrey G. Briggs to front pastedown. Light browning to text light foxing to a few leaves. $750. First edition. A sensational case of a million-pound plot to defraud Continental bankers by forged letters of credit or lettres circulaires purporting to have been issued by the bankers Glyn Hallifax Mills & Co. The plot was exposed by a Times of London correspondent in a letter published on 26th May 1840. This case was important because it exposed the largely unregulated banking practices associated with letters of credit which were easy to forge and difficult to police. The naming of Allan George Bogle-who was almost certainly involved-triggered this libel action against John Joseph Lawson the printer and publisher of the Times and resulted in the award of one farthing damages for Bogle but enormous expense and the considerable gratitude of bankers and investors for the Times. The present report is probably the most detailed account of a major financial swindle of this period particularly one involving letters of credit. A second edition was published the same year as the first the third and final edition in 1842. Our first edition was owned by Sir Geoffrey Briggs 1914-1993 an English lawyer and. unknown books
1765Best.-Nr. 756271765. London: T. Becket and P.A. de Hondt 1765. London: T. Becket and P.A. de Hondt 1765. Incest and Murder in Edinburgh Trial. Nairn Katharine Defendant. Ogilvie Patrick d.1765 Defendant. The Trial of Katharine Nairn and Patrick Ogilvie For the Crimes of Incest and Murder. Containing the Whole Procedure of the High Court of Judiciary Upon the 5th 12th 13th 14th 15th And 16th Days of August 1765. Edinburgh Printed: London: Reprinted For T. Becket and P.A. de Hondt 1765. vii 134 pp. Octavo 7-1/2" x 4-1/2". Later library cloth gilt title and publication date to spine endpapers renewed. Light shelfwear later owner bookplate of Stoughton R. Vogel 1907-1966 to front pastedown. Moderate toning to interior page numbers affected in a few places by trimming faint stain to pp. 40-41 soiling to half-title "2" in early hand to heads of half-title and title pages manuscript table of contents in early hand to foot of p. 134. $650. Only London edition published the same year as the only Edinburgh edition. In January 1765 19-year-old Katharine Nairn married 40-year-old Thomas Ogilvie. She soon fell in love with his younger brother Patrick. In June the same year Thomas Ogilvie died after a sudden illness. Katharine and Patrick were arrested and convicted of murder by poisoning. Patrick Ogilvie was hanged but Katharine's execution was delayed when she was found to be pregnant. Placed in a lower-security section of the prison she took an opportunity to escape and fled to France. She was never apprehended. This case was the subject of a volume in the Notable British Trials series edited by William Roughead. Vogel was a Philadelphia physician and book collector traits reflected in the unique design of his bookplate. English Short-Title Catalogue T51693. unknown books
1758Best.-Nr. 756281758. The Aftermath of a British Naval Failure Trial. Mordaunt Sir John 1697-1780 Defendant. The Proceedings of a General Court-Martial Held in the Council-Chamber at Whitehall On Wednesday the 14th And Continued by Several Adjournments to Tuesday the 20th of December 1757 Upon the Trial of Lieutenant General Sir John Mordaunt By Virtue of His Majesty's Warrant Bearing Date the 3d Day of the Same Month. Published by Authority. London: Printed for A. Millar 1758. 116 pp. Octavo 8" x 5". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into recent cloth. Moderate toning to interior light soiling to title page. $350. One of two issues from 1758 priority not established. Mordaunt commanded the British expedition against the French Atlantic port of Rochefort in 1757. Deeming an attempt too risky he returned without landing infuriating William Pitt who wanted to satisfy the public with a bold stroke against the French. Despite Pitt's anger Mordaunt was acquitted. English Short-Title Catalogue T44504. unknown books
1793Best.-Nr. 759751793. The Trial of a "Scottish Martyr" Trial. Palmer Thomas Fyshe 1747-1802 Defendant. The Trial of the Rev. Thomas Fyshe Palmer Before the Circuit Court of Justiciary Held at Perth On the 12th and 13th September 1793 On an Indictment for Seditious Practices. Taken in Court by Mr. Ramsey An Eminent Short-Hand Writer from London. With an Appendix. Edinburgh: Printed for W. Skirving 1793. 195 1 pp. Lacking portrait frontispiece. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet. Moderate toning light soiling and a few faint stains to exterior light foxing to a few leaves clean tear to leaf O3 pp. 109-110 affecting text without loss to legibility. $125. Only edition. Palmer an English minister and political reformer active in Scotland was convicted of sedition in 1793 for circulating a radical address to the public. Along with six other men referred to as the "Scottish Martyrs to Liberty" he was sentenced to seven years' transportation to Botany Bay. English Short-Title Catalogue T93757. unknown books
1812Best.-Nr. 759851812. The Only Successful Attempt on the Life of a British Prime Minister Trial. Bellingham John 1769-1812 Defendant. The Trial of John Bellingham For the Assassination of the Right Honourable Spencer Perceval First Lord of the Treasury Chancellor of the Exchequer &c. &c. &c. In the Lobby of the House of Commons On Monday the 11th May 1812. Taken in Short Hand By Mr. Fraser. To Which is Added An Account of Bellingham's Execution On Monday May 18. London: Printed for R. Mercer 1812. ii 108 pp. Octavo 8" x 5-1/2". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet. Moderate toning light soiling to exterior light foxing to title page and a few other leaves small chip to bottom-edge of final leaf. $500. Only edition. Bellingham was motivated by a baseless claim that the Crown owed him money as compensation for time he served in a Russian prison. He believed he was owed compensation because the government did not try to assist him. His murder of Perceval was the only successful attempt on the life of a British Prime Minister. OCLC locates 5 copies in North American law libraries Harvard LA County Social Law University of Pennsylvania York. Not in the British Museum Catalogue. unknown books
1817Best.-Nr. 740901817. Edinburgh 1817. Edinburgh 1817. Trial of a Leader of an 1816 Plot to Overthrow the British Government Trial. Watson James 1766-1838 Defendant. The Trial of James Watson The Elder Before the Court of King's Bench In Westminster Hall On the 9th 10th 11th 12th 13th 14th And 16th June 1817. For High Treason. Taken in Short Hand. Edinburgh: Printed for Alex. Jameson et al. 1817. vi 250 pp. Octavo 8-3/4" x 5-1/2". Printed wrappers edges untrimmed bound in later patterned cloth gilt-stamped title and date to spine. Light rubbing to boards and extremities spine ends and corners bumped and lightly worn front hinge starting rear hinge cracked. Light toning to interior very light foxing to a few leaves light soiling to wrappers ownership signature of William Macmath dated April 29 1868 to inside of front wrapper. $150. Only edition. Watson was tried for his role in the Spa Fields riot. This riot followed a pair of meetings held by revolutionaries at Spa Fields Islington England on November 15 and December 2 1816. Opponents of the government they resolved to encourage rioting and then seize control of the government by capturing the Tower of London and the Bank of England. Watson Arthur Thistlewood and three other leaders were arrested and charged with high treason as a result. Watson was acquitted and the other three were released without trial. Thistlewood would go on to lead the failed Cato Street Conspiracy in 1820. OCLC locates 7 copies of this title in North American law libraries Yale Columbia University of Minnesota University of Missouri LA County Library of Congress Social Law. unknown books
1849Best.-Nr. 739211849. A Murder Trial that Inspired Dickens Trial. Manning Frederick George 1820-1849 Defendant. Manning Maria 1821-1849 Defendant. The Bermondsey Murder. A Full Report of the Trial of Frederick George Manning and Maria Manning For the Murder of Patrick O'Connor At Minver-Place Bermondsey On the 9th of August 1849. Including Memoirs of Patrick O'Connor Frederick George Manning And Maria Manning. With their Portraits And Several Other Engravings. At head of title: Clark's Edition. London: Printed and Published by W.M. Clark 1849. 64 pp. Illustrated. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet in recent plain wrappers edges rouged housed in plain folder with printed label to front. Moderate toning to interior light foxing and soiling to a few leaves a few slight cracks to text block all leaves secure very faint offsetting from illustrations in places. With Manning Frederick George. Manning Maria. The Only Correct Account of the Confession and Execution of Frederick George Manning and Maria Manning For the Murder of Patrick O'Connor. London: Now Publishing By W.M. Clark 1849. 16 pp. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet in recent plain wrappers printed label to front wrapper endleaves added. Moderate toning to interior negligible light foxing and soiling in places. Together two items. $1250. Only stated editions; Trial: one of two 1849 issues. O'Connor a wealthy gauger customs official and moneylender was the former lover of Marie De Roux later Manning. He was murdered by Marie and her husband Frederick George Manning. The motivation was greed. The case attracted a good deal of public attention and became known as the "Bermondsey Horror." Eventually apprehended the husband and wife were hanged on November 13 1849. This execution was the first time a husband and wife had been executed together in England since 1700. Dickens witnessed the execution and wrote an account of it that was published in the Times. The behavior of the crowd repulsed him and he became a leading advocate for ending public executions. The campaign was eventually successful in 1868. He later based a character on Marie Manning: Mademoiselle Hortense Lady Dedlock's maid in Bleak House. Our account of the trial had two 1849 issues with different pag. unknown books
1886Best.-Nr. 742401886. The Personal Copy of the Author who was the Attorney General at the Time Trial. Goodwin Henry K. Defendant. Sherman Edgar J. 1834-1914. Commonwealth vs. Henry K. Goodwin: Charged by Indictment with the Wilful Murder of Albert D. Swan: Eighth Day of the Trial Before Charles Allen and William S. Gardner Justices. Edgar J. Sherman Attorney General Henry F. Hurlburt District Attorney For the Government. Benjamin F. Butler John P. Sweeney For the Prisoner. Argument of the Attorney General In Behalf of the Government. Lawrence MA: American Electric Job Print 1886. 43 pp. Octavo 8-3/4" x 5-3/4"; 22.2 x 14.6 cm. Stapled pamphlet in stiff printed wrappers. Light soiling a few tiny stains and moderate edgewear and chipping to wrappers which are partially detached but secure owner signature in faint pencil Edgar J. Sherman to front wrapper. Moderate toning to interior folds to lower outside corners of first 8 leaves. A very good copy. $500. Only edition. Goodwin shot Swan because he thought Swan was trying to cheat him out of his patents relating to the telephone. He was convicted of second degree murder. This pamphlet contains the argument of Edgar J. Sherman who led the state's case against Swan. It appears to have been his personal copy. Attorney general of Massachusetts from 1883 to 1887 Sherman went on to serve as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives and an associate justice of the Massachusetts Superior Court. This is a rare title. OCLC locates 5 copies 1 in a law library Social Law. McDade The Annals of Murder 360. unknown books
1825Best.-Nr. 742171825. A "Fatal Catastrophe" in Nottingham Trial. Dewey Thomas d.1825 Defendant. A Copious Report of the Trial of Thomas Dewey For the Wilful Murder of Maria Austin Before the Hon. James Allan Park Knt. On Monday July 25 1825 At the Town Hall Nottingham. To Which is Added Some Particulars of His Life Character Behaviour And Execution. Copied from the Nottingham Review With Some Additions. Nottingham: Printed and Sold by Sutton and Son Review Office 1825. 22 pp. 12mo. 6-3/4" x 3-3/4. Stab-stitched pamphlet resewn into recent plain wrappers recent white label with shelf mark to front wrapper. Moderate toning to interior library stamp to verso of title page several leaves trimmed close on right margin with no loss to text very light foxing to last few leaves small tear to fore-edge of title page not affecting text. $500. Only edition. Thomas Dewey stabbed Maria Austin a neighbor and acquaintance after a quarrel in which she told him not to order her children about. Dewey claimed insanity and several witnesses testified to this effect but the judge and jury disagreed. He was convicted of capital murder and sentenced to death. Though it was unclear at trial whether a romantic connection between the two existed at the time of the murder the account appended to the trial in our work suggests that Dewey was a womanizer jealous of Austin's husband from whom she was estranged. It concludes with a poem titled "The Morning of Execution." OCLC locates 7 copies of this scarce title 3 in North America Harvard Law School Library of Congress University of Kansas. Library Hub locates no additional copies. unknown books
1865Best.-Nr. 741111865. Edinburgh 1865. Edinburgh 1865. The Last Public Hanging in Scotland Trial. Pritchard Edward William 1825-1865 Defendant. A Complete Report of the Trial of Dr. E.W. Pritchard for the Alleged Poisoning of His Wife and Mother-In-Law. Reprinted By Special Permission From the "Scotsman." Carefully Revised by an Eminent Lawyer. With an Accurate Portrait. Edinburgh: William Kay 1865. vii 135 pp. Portrait frontispiece. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-1/2". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into later cloth gilt title to spine. Moderate rubbing to extremities with some wear to spine ends and corners hinges starting moderate toning to interior. $100. Second and final edition. Pritchard was accused of poisoning his wife and several other females over a period of years. He was convicted of murdering his wife and mother-in-law and sentenced to be hanged. While awaiting execution he confessed to the murders. His execution was the last public hanging in Scotland and was witnessed by 100000 people. unknown books
1825Best.-Nr. 745381825. New York 1825. 16 pp. McDade 1020. Cohen 13136. New York 1825. 16 pp. McDade 1020. Cohen 13136. He Shot Her in the Back: : OCLC Locates 3 Copies in Law Libraries Trial. Van Patten John F. 1801-1825 Defendant. The Trial and Life and Confessions of John F. Van Patten Who was Indicted Tried And Convicted of the Murder of Mrs. Maria Schermerhorn On the 4th of October Last And Sentenced to be Executed on the 25th February 1825. New York: S.n. 1825. 16 pp. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5-1/4"; 21.6 x 13.3 cm. Stab-stitched pamphlet in self wrappers woodcut execution vignette to front wrapper untrimmed edges. Moderate toning and dampspotting faint dampstaining to margins of a few leaves lower outside corner lacking from leaf containing pp. 5-6 text not affected ink smudge to p. 11 legibility not affected. A very good copy. $1250. Only edition. A chilling early American true crime narrative. The conflict began when Mrs. Maria Schermerhorn cautioned a local young woman against marrying John F. Van Patten prompting the girl's parents to forbid the courtship. Seeking revenge Van Patten borrowed a shotgun from a neighbor and visited Mrs. Schermerhorn at her home in Rotterdam New York. Under the pretense of needing wadding for his gun he waited until her back was turned as she ascended the stairs to fetch it and shot her dead McDade. This pamphlet is one of only three contemporary accounts published on the Van Patten case all of which are exceptionally scarce. OCLC locates 3 copies of our imprint in law libraries Harvard Library of Congress Yale. McDade The Annals of Murder 1020. Cohen Bibliography of Early American Law 13136. unknown books
1821Best.-Nr. 745441821. Concord NH: Published by Hill and Moore 1821. Concord NH: Published by Hill and Moore 1821. He Beat Her to Death with a Shovel: McDade 300 Trial. Farmer Daniel Davis 1793-1822 Defendant. Rogers Artemas Reporter. Chase Henry B. 1776 or 1777-1854 Reporter. Trial of Daniel Davis Farmer For the Murder of the Widow Anna Ayer At Goffstown On the 4th of April A.D. 1821. Concord NH: Published by Hill and Moore 1821. 72 pp. Octavo 8" x 5-1/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet with untrimmed edges bound into later quarter cloth over marbled boards black-stamped title to spine. Light rubbing to extremities free endpapers lacking light browning to pamphlet. An attractively bound well-preserved copy. $350. Only edition. When Mrs. Ayer charged Farmer with fathering her child he beat her to death with an iron shovel McDade mistakenly says "cudgel" and tried to burn her house. Farmer was found guilty and executed. McDade The Annals of Murder 300. unknown books
1882Best.-Nr. 745731882. St. Louis: Published by the Author 1882. St. Louis: Published by the Author 1882. "One of Those Legal Marathons Peculiar to the United States": McDade 576 Trial. Kring Charles F. 1845-1883 Defendant. Kring Eugene. Love and Law In Two Parts. Part I. The Only True History of the Killing of Mrs. Dora C.J. Broemser by Chas. F. Kring: Together with the Autobiography of the Latter: Part II. Missouri's Fraud; Or The Full and Complete Legal History of the Case of the State of Missouri vs. Chas. F. Kring: Embracing a Description of the Many Trials and Appeals Together with Law Points Involved and Appellate Court's Decisions Thereon. St. Louis: Published by the Author 1882. 200 6 pp. 2 woodcut frontispieces. 14 woodcut plates. Final 5 pp. are advertisements. Octavo 9" x 6". Publisher's flexible cloth blind frame and gilt title to front cover which is detached. Light rubbing and a few spots to covers heavier rubbing to extremities with wear to spine ends early owner bookplate of T.J. Silvius to front pastedown his signature to front free endpaper. Moderate toning to interior light foxing to a few leaves fold lines and small chips to upper outside corners of preliminaries and first four leaves of main text. $450. Only edition. "Kring's case is one of those legal marathons peculiar to the United States. Infatuated with but rejected by Mrs. Broemser he shot her on January 4 1875. The death sentence in trial number 1 was reversed. Trials number 2 and 3 were mistrials. At trial number 4 Kring pled guilty to second-degree murder but after receiving a twenty-five-year sentence he got that reversed. At trial number 5 he received his second death sentence which the United States Supreme Court reversed in October 1882 by a five-to-four vote" McDade. This copy probably belonged to the T.J. Silvius who was a printer and publisher in Sunbury Pennsylvania Thomas J. Silvius 1854-1937. OCLC locates 3 copies in law libraries Columbia Harvard St. John's University. Bell History of Northumberland County Pennsylvania 845-46. McDade The Annals of Murder 576. unknown books
1819Best.-Nr. 745771819. Concord NH: 1819. Concord NH: 1819. Daniel Webster for the Defense: A Landmark in His Career as a Lawyer Trials. Jackman Joseph. Goodridge Elijah Putnam 1787-1851 Defendant. The Sham-Robbery Committed by Elijah Putnam Goodridge On His Own Person In Newbury Near Essex Bridge Dec. 19 1816. With a History of His Journey to the Place Where He Robbed Himself. And His Trial with Mr. Ebenezer Pearson Whom He Maliciously Arrested for Robbery. Also the Trial of Levi & Laban Kenniston. Concord NH: Printed for the Author 1819. 151 1 pp. Bound with Powers Michael 1769-1820 Defendant. The Trial of Michael Powars sic For the Murder of Timothy Kennedy Before the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts Boston April 11 1820. Boston: Published by Thomas G. Bangs 1820. 35 pp. 12mo 6-1/2" x 4-1/4"; 16.5 x 10.8 cm. Contemporary three-quarter sheep over marbled boards lettering piece and gilt fillets to spine early owner label of Albert C. Jenks to front board. Moderate rubbing to boards heavier rubbing to extremities with wear to spine ends and corners front board beginning to separate but secure rear hinge cracked armorial bookplate of Asa P. French dated 1913 and pasted over an earlier bookplate to front pastedown description of this item clipped from a bookseller catalogue tipped-in to front free endpaper. Light browning and foxing to interior. $500. Sham-Robbery: only edition; Trial: second and final edition published in the same year as the first. This volume collects accounts of two trials in which Daniel Webster served as a defense attorney. Jackman's Sham-Robbery is a detailed account by one of the accused of one of the trials connected with this Massachusetts case one of the most famous cases of its day. The respected and well-connected Major Goodridge's accusation of robbery against the witless low-life Kenniston brothers was supported by popular sentiment until Webster began his defense which meticulously unraveled the major's story and led to an acquittal. The trial was a landmark in Webster's legal career and his final address to the jury first printed here is considered a classic example of his oratorical skill. The Powers case involved a fatal encounter in Boston. As McDade notes: "Even the great Daniel Webster could not save Powers who was condemned for killing Kennedy. unknown books
1817Best.-Nr. 745791817. 2 titles in 1. 2 titles in 1. High-Stakes 1817 Irish Scandal: A Scarce Pair of "Crim. Con." Pamphlets Defended by Distinguished Anglo-Irish Barrister Phillips Trial. Blake Martin Joseph Defendant. Crim. Con. A Full Faithful & Impartial Report of that Curious Extraordinary and Interesting Trial with Speeches of Counsel and Judge's Charge In the Case Wherein Mark Browne Esq. Was Plaintiff and Martin Jos. Blake Esq. Defendant In an Action of Damages for Crim. Con. With the Plaintiff's Wife. Tried in the Court of Common Pleas Dublin On the 9th and 10th Days of July 1817 Before the Right Honorable Lord Norbury and a Special Jury of the City of Dublin; Damages laid at 30000. Dublin: Printed by J. Charles 1817. 48 pp. Bound with Phillips Charles 1787-1859. The Speech of Charles Phillips Esq. In the Case of Brown Versus Blake for Adultery; Delivered Before Lord Norbury and a Special Jury on the 9th July 1817. Dublin: Printed at the Hibernia Press Office For John Cumming 1817. 31 pp. Octavo 8" x 5"; 20.3 x 12.7cm. Two titles bound together. Stab-stitched pamphlet in later plain wrappers. Two vertical fold lines to front wrapper. Moderate toning to interior light foxing in places early library stamps to head of page 3 of Crim. Con. verso of title page head of page 7 and verso of final leaf of Speech. A very good copy of two scarce Irish legal pieces. $450. Crim. Con.: First edition; Speech: only edition. A second edition of Crim. Con. was published shortly after in 1817. Although it was a typical adultery trial Browne v. Blake attracted a fair amount of attention because of the high-stakes damages sought 30000 and the fact that Blake's lawyer was Charles Phillips: a leading Anglo-Irish barrister. Phillips was renowned for his oratory and expertise with adultery cases. Phillips successfully secured a defense verdict. Both titles are scarce. OCLC locates 5 copies of Crim. Con. all first editions 1 in a North American law library LA County and no copies of Speech. Crim. Con.: British Museum Catalogue Compact Edition 3:582. unknown books
1842Best.-Nr. 749081842. Third & Final edition. Third & Final edition. A Presentation Copy from the Editor Trial. Hughes W. Hughes Editor. "The Times" Testimonial. Report of the Trial of the Action Bogle Versus Lawson For a Libel Published in "The Times" London-Newspaper Tried at the Summer Assizes for the Country of Surrey Held at Croydon Monday August 16 1841 Before the Right Honourable Sir Nicholas Conyngham Tindal Knt. Lord Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas And a Special Jury; Together with the Proceedings of a Public Meeting of Merchants Bankers and Others Held at the Mansion House London Friday October 1 1841 On the Subject of Such Action And of the Committee then Appointed; And Also a List of Subscribers to "The Times" Testimonial. Published by the Committee. London: John Hatchard and Son Henry Butterworth and Pelham Richardson 1842. 186 pp. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound in contemporary cloth gilt title to spine "Bogle v Lawson" and front board "3d. Edition/ Times Testimonial/ for/ A. Dobie Esqr/ 1842". Light rubbing dampstaining to boards fading to spine spine ends and corners bumped and lightly worn front hinge cracked later owner bookplate Geoffrey G. Briggs and bookseller ticket to front pastedown later illegible owner signature dated 1961 to front free endpaper. Moderate toning to interior. Presentation inscription "Alexander Dobie Esq. With the best comps & thanks of The Editor 1st January 1842." to head of half-title. $750. Third and final edition. Alexander Dobie Lawson's defense attorney and the recipient of this copy is thanked warmly in the preface "for affording Hughes access to the original documents in the cause as well as for correcting the evidence from the notes of the short-hand writer" 40. Bogle v. Lawson was a sensational case centering around a million-pound plot to defraud Continental bankers by forged letters of credit. The plot was exposed by a Times of London correspondent in a letter published on 26th May 1840. The naming of Allan George Bogle who was almost certainly involved triggered this libel action against John Joseph Lawson the printer and publisher of the Times. Bogle won the case but thanks to Dobie's skilled defense his victory was costly. The jury granted him a mere farthing in damages and ordered him to pay his own hefty legal expenses. T. unknown books
1823Best.-Nr. 733071823. Assault and False Imprisonment Trial. Carr Thomas Defendant. Report of the Trial of Watson Against Carr For an Assault and False Imprisonment Before Sir John Bayley Knt. One of the Justices of His Majesty's Court of King's Bench Westminster At the Guildhall Newcastle On Saturday August 2d 1823. Newcastle: Printed for John Sykes Bookseller 1823. 36 pp. Woodcut title page vignette of Samuel Johnson. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5". Disbound stab-stitched pamphlet. Moderate toning light foxing in a few places. $200. Only edition one of at least 2 issues from the same year. This scarce trial report concerns the beating and false imprisonment of Thomas Watson by Carr. The latter claimed as his defense his position as Town Constable during the time of incident and engaged Henry Brougham as his lawyer. The jury found for Watson and Carr was subject to a fine and court costs. Other copies we have seen have a different title page vignette depicting Newcastle's Guildhall. OCLC locates 7 copies of this title 4 in North America Harvard Law School University of Georgia Law School Temple University University of Pennsylvania Law School. unknown books
1822Best.-Nr. 733861822. Edinburgh: Archibald Constable and Co. 1822. Edinburgh: Archibald Constable and Co. 1822. The Plaintiff was Represented by Two Distinguished Scottish Jurists Trial. Stevenson Duncan 1776-1867 Defendant. Report of Trial of the Issues In the Action of Damages for Libel in the Beacon James Gibson of Ingliston Esq. Clerk to the Signet - Pursuer Against Duncan Stevenson Printer in Edinburgh - Defender. Taken in Short Hand. Edinburgh: Printed for Archibald Constable and Co. 1822. vi 139 1 2 2 pp. Publisher advertisement to recto of final leaf verso blank. Octavo 8-1/4" x 5". Recent period-style three-quarter calf over marbled boards by Philip Dusel marbled edges. Moderate toning to interior slightly heavier in a few places illegible early owner signature to rear endleaf. $350. Only edition. Gibson 1765-1850 later Sir James Gibson-Craig 1st Baronet was a lawyer government official and Whig politician. An article in The Beacon a Tory newspaper alledged that he passed forged bank notes. Represented by Francis Jeffrey 1773-1850 and Henry Cockburn 1779-1854 two eminent Scottish jurists who were also notable literary figures Ingliston prevailed and was awarded 500 in damages. Macleod "Craig Sir James Gibson" Moss "Stevenson Duncan" Oxford Dictionary of National Biography accessed online. Macleod "Craig Sir James Gibson" and Moss "Stevenson Duncan" Oxford Dictionary of National Biography accessed online. British Museum Catalogue Compact Edition 24:250. unknown books
1732Best.-Nr. 734361732. By Reason of Some Natural Imperfection" Trial. Weld v. Weld. The Proceedings in the Arches-Court of Canterbury in a Cause Between the Hon. Mrs. Catherine Weld Daughter to the Lord Aston; And Edward Weld Esq; Her Husband. Containing I. Her Libel Exhibited Against Him for Impotency. II. Her Answer and Replication. III. Certificates of Ambrose Dickens Esq; His Majesty's Serjeant Surgeon Mr. Williams and Several Other Eminent Surgeons Who Examined Mr. Weld; And also of three Midwives who Examined Mrs. Weld. IV. Copies of the Depositions of Several Noble Persons Relating to This Cause. V. The Sentence Pronounced. To Which is Prefixed a Preface. London: Printed for H. Owen 1757. 48 pp. Octavo 7-1/2' x 4-3/4". Stab-stitched pamphlet in recent stiff marbled-paper wrappers calf lettering piece to spine. Moderate toning to interior faint vertical crease to text block some wear to outer corners of text block light foxing to a few leaves light soiling to title page and p. 48. $750. Third stated edition. The Welds married in 1727 but when there was no issue after three years Catherine sued Edward for divorce in ecclesiastical court on the grounds that he was "unable to perform the Conjugal Rites by Reason of some natural Imperfection which he well knew in himself." Edward fought to clear his name claiming that after a simple surgical procedure he had in fact consummated the marriage twice. The case gained a great deal of public attention largely because the detail of Catherine's claim and the amount of medical evidence presented were unusual even for an impotency trial. Ultimately the divorce was denied and the couple reached a private resolution to live apart. Edward remarried after Catherine's death and fathered a daughter and four sons. It is unclear why our copy is designated the third edition. It appears to be based on an account issued by E. Raynor which went through five editions and two Dublin reprints all in 1732. OCLC and the ESTC locate 3 copies in North America Cornell Rice Harvard Law School. English Short-Title Catalogue ESTC N11985. unknown books
1830Best.-Nr. 734651830. A Pennsylvania Court Summons from 1830 Manuscript. Trial. Pennsylvania. Summons to Appear as a Witness. Lycoming County PA September 1 1830. 4 pp. 6-3/4" x 8" docketed on verso embossed seal near upper-left corner. Light browning and edgewear a few ink spots vertical and horizontal fold lines a few minor tears along folds. $250. This summons directs Peter Shaddy Charles Huff Sophia Graft and James Danley to appear in the court of quarter sessions in Williamsport to testify in the case of Pennsylvania v. James Kinman and Mrs. Dunlap. unknown books
1905Best.-Nr. 734831905. Glasgow and Edinburgh: William Hodge & Co. 1905. Glasgow and Edinburgh: William Hodge & Co. 1905. First Title in the Notable Scottish Trials Series Trial. Smith Madeleine 1835-1938 Defendant. Smith A. Duncan Editor. Trial of Madeleine Smith. Glasgow and Edinburgh: William Hodge & Company 1905. xi 371 9 pp. Frontispiece 3 plates. Original green cloth gilt title and series name to spine top-edge gilt. Light rubbing to boards moderate rubbing to extremities spine ends and corners bumped. Light toning to interior owner signatures to front free endpaper "Russell" and "Scott Moncrieff Penney" leaflet advertising the Notable Scottish Trials Series laid in. $150. First edition. This was the first title issued in the Notable Scottish Trials Series. Smith a socialite was tried before the High Court of Justiciary Edinburgh 1857 for the murder of Pierre Emile L'Angelier and acquitted. Her trial was the basis for a play by Letty Lynton and Dishonered Lady a movie starring Joan Crawford. unknown books
1808Best.-Nr. 734641808. Adultery Trial Involving a Wealthy Heiress A Member of Parliament and the Diplomat who Acquired the Elgin Marbles Trial. Ferguson William Robert 1769-1840 Defendant. An Authentic Account of the Proceedings Under a Writ of Enquiry of Damages In an Action in the Court of King's Bench In Which the Right Hon. The Earl of Elgin was Plaintiff And William Ferguson Esq. Defendant For Criminal Conversation with the Plaintiff's Wife: Executed Before the Sheriff of Middlesex And a Special Jury On the 22d of December 1807: Verdict .10000. London: Printed for J. Hatchard 1808. Only edition. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5"; 21.6 x 12.7cm. ii 113 1 pp. Stab-stitched pamphlet edges untrimmed bound in later red pebbled cloth gilt title to spine. Some bubbling to boards. Small bookseller's ticket and bookplate of Geoffrey Briggs to front pastedown. Front hinge cracked after title page but secure. Moderate toning to interior negligible light foxing to a few leaves light soiling to first and final pages. A very good copy. $450. Only edition of a highly public high-society "Criminal Conversation." Mary Hamilton Bruce 1778-1855 Countess of Elgin was the wife of British diplomat Thomas Bruce 7th Earl of Elgin 1766-1841 best known for his acquisition of the sculptures from the Parthenon in Athens the Elgin Marbles. Ferguson also spelled "Fergusson" was a Whig Member of Parliament and an amateur geologist. When the earl discovered his wife's affair with Ferguson he sued him and won 10000 almost 1000000. today. A divorce followed and Ferguson married her on 20 April 1808. Our copy was owned by Sir Geoffrey Briggs 1914-1993 an English lawyer and judge who served as Chief Justice of Hong Kong and Brunei. Accounts of this trial are scarce including ours. OCLC locates 7 copies of this title 3 in law libraries Harvard University of Minnesota Library of Congress. unknown books
1834Best.-Nr. 734791834. Scottish Criminal Conversation Trial Interesting for Issues Concerning Intercepted Letters Trial. Murray William Defendant. Report of Trial in the Action of Damages for Crim. Con.: Poor Alexander Bell Teacher Dundee Versus William Murray Now or Lately Rector of the Dundee Academy Taken in Short-Hand; Containing a Discussion Upon the Law of Intercepted Correspondence. Edinburgh: s.n. 1834. 63 pp. Octavo 8-1/2" x 5". Stab-stitched pamphlet bound into recent quarter cloth over marbled boards printed title to spine. Light soiling to cloth and negligible wear to corners front hinge cracked rear hinge starting at ends printed shelfmark and residue from removed bookplate to inner front board. Light toning to interior light foxing in a few places. A nice copy of a scarce title. $250. Only edition. This trial involved a teacher who was allegedly cuckolded by the rector of his school. The plaintiff's case rested on the admissibility of a letter said to have been sent by the wife to Murray but not received by him. OCLC locates 14 copies 7 in North American law libraries. Catalogue of the Library of the Harvard Law School 1909 II:1015. unknown books
