The Code Napoleon; or, The French Civil Code

1824, the 2nd English edition, with ownership signature of Colorado judge Robert Wilbur Steele

Author

Publisher

Printing Details

Second English edition. Hardback, half-leather with rebacked spine in new leather, five raised bands to spine and contrasting title label. Marbled paper covered boards. 23 × 15cm, xix + 627pp.

This copy carries the ownership stamp and pencil signature of Robert Wilbur Steele of Denver, Colorado, dated 1883. Steele was an eminent judge and important figure in the history of justice in Colorado. He played a crucial role in safeguarding the rights of citizens, modernizing election practices, and establishing the supremacy of the people's will in governance. His commitment to upholding fundamental principles of justice left an enduring legacy on Colorado's legal and political landscape. There is also further pencil inscription from R W Steele, gifting the book to R D Thompson, a Colorado attorney.

Full title: The Code Napoleon; or, The French Civil Code. Literally translated from the original and official edition, published in Paris, in 1804

A comprehensive reformation and codification of French civil law, the Code Napoleon was enacted in March 21, 1804, after a three-year period of 87 sessions. Produced by a commission appointed by Napoleon, it embodies a typically Napoleonic mix of liberalism and conservatism. Most of the freedoms won by the revolution, such as equality before the law, freedom of religion and the abolition of feudalism were preserved. At the same time, the Code reinforced patriarchal power by making the husband the ruler of the household. Renamed the Civil Code after the Bourbon restoration and still in force, it has served as the model for the legal codes of more than twenty nations throughout the world. This was the second edition of the translation by George Spence (1787–1850), an English jurist and Barrister of the Inner Temple.

Condition

Good. As mentioned, the spine has been replaced, the remaining original boards scuffed and a bit bumped. Foxing to the prelims, name scratched out from the front pastedown. The inner binding is secure and the main body of text is in good clean condition for age, with a little rippling to the rear endpaper.