Laws of Kentucky; comprehending those of a general nature now in force; and which have been acted on by the legislature thereof. Together with a copious index and a list of local or private acts...to which is prefixed the Constitution of the United States with the Amendments, the Act of Separation from the State of Virginia, and the Constitution of Kentucky ... [With:] Laws of Kentucky ... Vol. II ... [With:] Laws of Kentucky ... Vol. III

Lexington: Printed by John Bradford [vols. 1-2] and F. Bradford [vol. 3], 1817. 3 volumes, 8vo. (7 1/2 x 4 1/2 inches). 19 [i.e., lxxxvii], 514; [2], 506; 434pp. Bound to style in contemporary sheep, spines ruled in blind, red morocco lettering pieces.

Crucial Kentucky laws: the earliest compendium of the laws of Kentucky, complete in three volumes, including the act providing for the gradual elimination of slavery in the state passed in February 1798.

These volumes also include the texts of the U.S. Constitution, the Act of Separation from Virginia, and the Constitution of Kentucky. With errata and an extensive index, covering everything from bastards and bigamists to smallpox and strays. The first volume is one of the first major books printed west of the Allegheny Mountains, and one of the first major books printed in Kentucky. The first volume was first advertised in 1797, and was published at 21s. The final volume has indices for volumes I-III, together with a composite index. Extremely rare on the market and quite scarce institutionally.

McMurtrie 118, 298, 648 (noting, but not distinguishing, two variant editions); Evans 35683; Shaw & Shoemaker 12862.