Tuesday, April 4, 2017

L.A. County Law Library to Auction Books From 17th, 18th Centuries

Here's yet another reason to attend the LA County Law Library Beacon of Justice Gala tomorrow evening (honoring ABC, aka 2/4's Justice Collins): Today's MetNews reports that the Library will be auctioning off some intriguing and beautiful volumes that have been stored in a climate-controlled facility within the library and are not normally available even for viewing! So bring your checkbook for a shot at gems including:

    Image result for The Administration of the Colonies (4th ed.) wherein their Rights and Constitution are Discussed and StatedImage result for Causes Celebres et Interessantes Avec Les Jugemens Qui Les Ont Decidees Recueillies
  • The Administration of the Colonies (4th ed.) wherein their Rights and Constitution are Discussed and Stated, by Thomas Pownall (1767) [bidding starts at $4K]
  • Causes Celebres et Interessantes Avec Les Jugemens Qui Les Ont Decidees Recueillies, by Mr. Gayot de Pitavel (1737-45), a 22-volume set, in French, containing “a rare compilation of ‘famous and interesting’ cases with an emphasis on things like adultery, bigamy, infanticide, abduction and illicit love. Minimum bid: $1800.
  • De Mari Libero, by Hugo Grotius (1633), a “beautiful tiny book,” in Latin, on maritime law. Minimum bid: $700
  • The Letters of Junius (1806), “a collection of private and open letters critical of the government of King George III from the anonymous author known as ‘Junius,’ as well as other letters in reply from people to whom Junius had written between 1769 and 1772.” Minimum bid: $150.
  • Symboleography: Which May be Termed the Art, or Description, of Instruments and Precedents (Parts 1 & 2), first collected by William West of the Inner Temple, Esq. (1647), which “has been called the ‘first comprehensive collection of legal forms and precedents to be published in England.’ ” Minimum bid:  $800
  • Law Quibbles or a Treatise of the Evasions, Tricks, Turns & Quibbles Commonly Used in the Profession of the Law, to the Prejudice of Clients and Others (1724), offering “advice, in alphabetical order, with concise examples and citations, followed by an essay on the laws of England with suggestions for reform.” Minimum bid: $400
And many more!