Sir John Fortescue was undoubtedly the foremost English political theorist of the fifteenth century. This convenient volume brings together for the first time new editions of his two major works--In Praise of the Laws of England and The Governance of England--with references and suggestions for further reading. These works, arguably the earliest in English political thought, form a coherent argument for justice against tyranny and afford unique insights into the law and governance of fifteenth century England.

First Published in 1967. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Sir John Fortescue was undoubtedly the foremost English political theorist of the fifteenth century. This convenient volume brings together for the first time new editions of his two major works--In Praise of the Laws of England and The Governance of England--with references and suggestions for further reading. These works, arguably the earliest in English political thought, form a coherent argument for justice against tyranny and afford unique insights into the law and governance of fifteenth century England.

Fortescue's dialogue in praise of the laws of England, written for the instruction of Henry VI's son, is one of the essential sources for English legal history, and has always been renowned among lawyers for its lucidity of style and for the unique account it gives of the workings of contemporary English law. In addition, Fortescue's practical experience, and the leisure that he has in exile to read and reflect upon political questions, made him both an original politician thinker and a statesman who could suggest practical reforms. This 1949 edition provides a Latin text derived directly...