The Commonwealth of England: and the Manner of Governement thereof
London: Printed by R. Young for J. Smethwicke, 1640. Octavo, full leather binding, newly restored with leather spine, gilt and leather spine title label. Engraved illus title page and second title page. pp (xiv), 272, i. Ex-library stamps to the second title page, one prelim page and rear endpapers, some tanning along edges of endpapers. Previous owner's signature front free endpaper. Good condition.
First published as 'De Republica Anglorum: the Maner of Gouernement or Policie of the Realme of England' in 1583. In it Smith discusses the nature of the commonwealth: he described England as a mixed government and a commonwealth, and stated that all commonwealths are of mixed character. Sir Thomas Smith (1513 - 1577) was an English scholar, parliamentarian and diplomat. He was a Privy Councillor during the reign of Queen Elizabeth: in 1572 he was appointed Chancellor of the Order of the Garter and then principal secretary. Item #103750
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