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...

Originally published in 1936, this book contains a detailed investigation of the ideas and theories behind the forms of fifteenth-century English government, reaching conclusions regarding the 'spirit' of the constitution. The text is divided into four large chapters: 'The Estate of King', 'The Nature of Parliament', 'Statutory Law and Judicial Discretion' and 'The Theory of the State'. Extensive notes, appendices and a bibliography are also provided. This book will be of value to anyone with an interest in fifteenth-century history, political history and the development of the English...