J.H. Baker, Selected Readings and Commentaries on Magna Carta 1400-1604

Selden Society vol. 132 has arrived with a hefty thump on the doormats of Selden Society members and libraries. It is, of course very timely, given this year’s 800 year commemorations of the 1215 treaty/statute/event/totem. This volume provides some very interesting comments on parts of Magna Carta, from common lawyers of the later medieval and early modern periods. They are shown in parallel texts, original law-French and modern English.  I am sure we will be using this for a considerable number of years.  There are certainly a number of nuggets which I have already found useful, including some classic misogyny (however ‘disappointing’ the editor finds this – lxx –  it is hardly a surprise). Sadly for Magna Carta nerds, there is nothing about fish weirs or weights and measures, but otherwise another impressive volume.