Lawyers' Merriments [1912]

Murray surveys literature written by lawyers for their amusement, and the amusement of their peers. Much of this genre is humorous; it includes such forms as law lyrics, whimsical dissertations, reports in verse and facetious precedents. Other examples, such as proverbs and memorial verses, have a didactic intent. A final group includes elegantly written legal works and examples based on literary conventions. Moving from the textual to the visual, Murray also considers illustrated law books and legal livres de luxe. An appealing survey, it is also a useful starting point for further research into this fascinating genre. xiv, 302, 2] pp. Frontispiece. Illustrations. Plates.