Preview
Identifier
KD 313 .C68 1658
Creation Date
1658
Description
Cowell, John. The Interpreter: or Book Containing the Signification of Words. 3rd ed. London: Printed by F. Leach, 1658.
In The Interpreter, his most famous and controversial work, John Cowell (1554–1611) provided a much-needed compilation of common law terms and their definitions. To these he added similar civil law terms. Unfortunately, a few key definitions included the author's views on absolute monarchy and the power of Parliament. After numerous attacks from common lawyers such as Sir Edward Coke (1552–1634), the book was suppressed by James I. Nevertheless, it remained the "standard dictionary of English law" well into the eighteenth century. The title page of this copy is signed by a former owner, "J. Barry."
Rights
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