Abridgment of the Publick Laws of Virginia, in Force and Use, June 10, 1720

(VIRGINIA). An Abridgment of the Publick Laws of Virginia, in Force and Use, June 10, 1720. . . . London: For F. Fayram and J. Clarke; and S. Saunders, 1728. 8vo. [8], 184, [16] p. Verso of final leaf O4 blank. Mid-nineteenth-century calf, spine perished and covers detached. Several early library stamps. Contemporary name "Dale" and "By Col Wm. Beverly" [sic] in an early hand on title.

First edition of an early collection of Virginia laws, beginning in 1662, still in force in 1720. Includes many laws relating to slaves, a master getting his maid with child, ducking for abusive women or for white women bringing mulatto bastards, trials of pirates, (truncated) fines for swearing, etc. ESTC N15798, recording only three copies (AzU, DLC, NHi, but DLC appears to hold the second edn.). (Inventory #: 15692)