ONE OF THE EARLIEST DIGESTS OF SLAVERY LAW IN THE UNITED STATES: FIRST EDITION OF WHEELER'S PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE LAW OF SLAVERY, 1837

WHEELER, Jacob D. A Practical Treatise on the Law of Slavery. Being a Compilation of all the Decisions Made on that Subject, in the Several Courts of the United States, and State Courts. New York and New Orleans: Allan Pollock, Jr. and Benjamin Levy, 1837. Octavo, modern half brown sheep, burgundy morocco spine label. $3600.

First edition of this important work on the legal aspects of slavery in the United States, one of the earliest digests on the subject.

Wheeler's Practical Treatise is one of the earliest digests of virtually all American court decisions on slavery, including cases from both the North and South. This book was initially intended for use by slaveholders and other interested parties, but it became an important tool of abolitionists who used it for its incidental descriptions of slavery and its attendant cruelty. "The work bears marks of haste in its preparation, but it is a valuable compilation of decisions on practical questions, arising under the Law of Slavery in the United States. It will be serviceable to the Profession as a comprehensive digest of authorities on this branch of law, and it will afford much instruction to philanthropists and statesmen, interested in reconciling the welfare of slaves with the integrity and just operation of Constitutional Law" (Marvin 729). Harvard Law Catalogue 908. Cohen 9883. Work 344.

Light to moderate foxing to text, a few spots of soiling to edges of text block, binding attractive. An extremely good copy.