David Chan Smith is an Assistant Professor of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, where he researches business and law in the early modern Atlantic world.

'Smith has presented a highly influential volume on Edward Coke's jurisprudence up to the time of his dismissal by King James I from the Court of King's Bench. His knowledge of Coke's writings and jurisprudence, based on his use of both manuscript and published primary sources, will make this work a definitive study of Coke's early life. This book is recommended for all collections of English legal history.' Joel Fishman, Law Library Journal

• 1. Introduction; 2. Uncertainty and the reformation of the laws; 3. 'The most dangerous oppressor': the misuse of the law; 4. Confidence and corruption: the law in the Fens; 5. Identity and narratives of the past; 6. Reason and reform; 7. Pragmatism and the High Commission; 8. Chancery, reform, and the limits of cooperation; 9. Delegation and moral kingship; 10. Conclusion.

David Chan Smith is an Assistant Professor of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, where he researches business and law in the early modern Atlantic world.

'Smith has presented a highly influential volume on Edward Coke's jurisprudence up to the time of his dismissal by King James I from the Court of King's Bench. His knowledge of Coke's writings and jurisprudence, based on his use of both manuscript and published primary sources, will make this work a definitive study of Coke's early life. This book is recommended for all collections of English legal history.' Joel Fishman, Law Library Journal

• 1. Introduction; 2. Uncertainty and the reformation of the laws; 3. 'The most dangerous oppressor': the misuse of the law; 4. Confidence and corruption: the law in the Fens; 5. Identity and narratives of the past; 6. Reason and reform; 7. Pragmatism and the High Commission; 8. Chancery, reform, and the limits of cooperation; 9. Delegation and moral kingship; 10. Conclusion.

David Chan Smith is an Assistant Professor of History at Wilfrid Laurier University, Ontario, where he researches business and law in the early modern Atlantic world.

'Smith has presented a highly influential volume on Edward Coke's jurisprudence up to the time of his dismissal by King James I from the Court of King's Bench. His knowledge of Coke's writings and jurisprudence, based on his use of both manuscript and published primary sources, will make this work a definitive study of Coke's early life. This book is recommended for all collections of English legal history.' Joel Fishman, Law Library Journal

• 1. Introduction; 2. Uncertainty and the reformation of the laws; 3. 'The most dangerous oppressor': the misuse of the law; 4. Confidence and corruption: the law in the Fens; 5. Identity and narratives of the past; 6. Reason and reform; 7. Pragmatism and the High Commission; 8. Chancery, reform, and the limits of cooperation; 9. Delegation and moral kingship; 10. Conclusion.