A really wonderful copy of a very desirable and often very dearly priced text. Arnot, himself a lawyer, recounts the most fascinating trials from Scotland dating from the Reformation through to the late 18th century, adding his legal perspective on them as well. Absolutely fascinating reading!
Arnot, Hugo. A Collection and Abridgement of Celebrated Criminal Trials in Scotland, from A. D. 1536 to 1784 with Historical and Critical Remarks. Edinburgh. Printed for the Author by William Smellie. 1785. First Edition. 400pp.
Large 4to looking quite smart in a 20th century half leather binding. It contains chapter divisions on Treason, Parracide, Murder, Piracy, Forgery, Incest, Adultery, Blasphemy, Witchcraft [with a rare case of male witchcraft], etc. including a special section calculating the cost to burn a witch.
Minor ex library stamp on title, original blank ffep has slight loss at corner and is foxed. Remainder of text quite crisp with light to moderate scattered foxing as shown. Another page with a tear at lower right, no losses.
In this condition, generally offered at $750-$950. Very reasonably here.
