On the Laws and Governance of England

Sir John Fortescue CJKB (c.1395–c.1477) was undoubtedly the foremost English political scientist of the fifteenth century. This convenient volume brings together for the first time new editions of his two major works - In Praise of the Laws of England and The Governance of England - with references and suggestions for further reading for the student. In her introduction, Shelley Lockwood presents a clear reassessment of the work of John Fortescue and places these key texts in their historical and intellectual contexts. These works, arguably the earliest in English political thought, were written from the perspective of a self-consciously analytical and highly experienced lawyer and government official during a time of war and political upheaval. They form a coherent argument for justice against tyranny and afford unique insights into the law and governance of fifteenth-century England.

• Student edition with suggestions for further reading, an introduction and biographical outline • Re-assessment of the work of a major figure in the history of English law and government • The first edition of The Governance made accessible in modern English

Acknowledgements; Editor’s note on the texts; Note on the translations; Introduction; Principal events in Fortescue’s life; Select bibliography; List of abbreviations; 1. In Praise of the Laws of England; 2. The Governance of England; Appendix A. Extracts from On the Nature of the Law of Nature; Appendix B. Example of how good council helps and advantages and of what follows from the contrary; Appendix C. Articles to the Earl of Warwick 1470; Index.