THE BARRISTER: OR, STRICTURES ON THE EDUCATION PROPER FOR THE BAR
Dublin: Printed for Messrs. E. Lynch, R. M'Allister et al, 1792. First edition. 8vo. 17cm. [4], xix, [1], 252 pp. Two inital blank pages and half title have upper eighth skillfully replaced not affecting any of the printing. Rebacked in morocco with red spine label, gilt rules, original leather boards. Previous owner's signature on front pastedown and title page. "In the 1790s he (Thomas Ruggles) published two substantial works that are of importance to legal, social, and economic historians. The first was entitled The Barrister, or, Strictures on the Education Proper for the Bar (1792). In twenty-six short essays addressed to students attending the inns of court, Ruggles aimed 'to preserve the proper dignity of the bar, and a knowledge of the honourable means of advancement in the profession' (p. 269). In addition to offering advice on proper manners and moral behaviour, he also counselled his audience on oratorical eloquence and logical argument. His major educational recommendation was that admission to the inns of court be contingent on the completion of a bachelor's degree in arts or law at Cambridge or Oxford. Only such a background—particularly in ancient and modern languages, philosophy, history, and poetry—would allow barristers and practisers to rise above their own self-interest and develop integrity of mind." - Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. Item #64370
Price: $300.00