Dissertation on the Accounts of All Souls College Oxford. Presented to the Roxburghe Club by Sir William Anson, Bart.
London: J. Nichols & Sons. 1898. First edition of this rare Blackstone item. Lightly worn at head and foot of spine. Other a fine, crisp copy. Original Roxburghe style quarter brown leather over burgundy paper boards, gilt spine. Quarto. [6], iii, [1, blank], 52 pp. With a list of subscribers, consisting of forty members. Printed on handmade paper. Item #11729
Blackstone was elected to the Fellowship of All Souls College in 1743. He was chosen Bursar of Laws in 1747, and again in 1751, and in one capacity or another “As an Accomptant, an Assistant, or an Auditor,” to use his words, he was concerned with the Bursarial business of the college during his residence at Oxford. He addresses this dissertation to Benjamin Buckler, a close friend and fellow member, who became a humorist and antiquarian. Anson notes that this work “exhibits…to the full the orderly character of Blackstone’s intellect, and the dignified suavity of his style, while it is illuminated by touches of irony and humour which are wanting in the Commentaries…” (prefatory note).
Price: $450.00