ELIZABETH I – Anno xxxix. reginae Elizabethae. At the Parliament begun and holden at Westminster, the xxiiii. day of October, in the xxxix. yeere of the reigne of our most gracious soueraigne lady Elizabeth. London: Charles Barker [1598].

ELIZABETH I – Anno xxxix. reginae Elizabethae. At the Parliament begun and holden at Westminster, the xxiiii. day of October, in the xxxix. yeere of the reigne of our most gracious soueraigne lady Elizabeth. London: Charles Barker [1598].

A rare early edition of parliamentary acts issued during the reign of Elizabeth I. A primary historical source of great importance, the acts collected here relate to husbandry, relief of the poor, and the punishment of “Rogues, Vagabonds, and Sturdy Beggars.” One act, on pardons, is copiously annotated in an early hand. Only five other editions of Elizabethan acts of parliament are recorded by RBH and ABPC. STC (2nd ed.), 9494.3

Folio (291 x 196mm). Woodcut title border, woodcut initials and ornaments (toning, occasional spots, tears affecting final leaves). Old limp vellum (lacking ties, endpapers lifted, lower board stained).