Oxford''s variorum edition of William Blackstone''s seminal treatise on the common law of England and Wales offers the definitive account of the Commentaries'' development in a modern format. For the first time it is possible to trace the evolution of English law and Blackstone''s thought through the eight editions of Blackstone''s lifetime, and the authorial corrections of the posthumous ninth edition. Introductions by the general editor and the volume editors set theCommentaries in their historical context, examining Blackstone''s distinctive view of the common law, and editorial notes throughout the four volumes assist the modern reader in understanding this key text in the Anglo-American common law tradition. Book I: Of the Rights of Persons covers the key topics of constitutional and public law. Blackstone''s inaugural lecture ''On the Study of the Law'' introduces a series of general essays on the nature of law, including a chapter on ''The Absolute Rights of Individuals'' . This
