Ruth Paley – författare

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 the Commentaries 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. In the final volume of the Commentaries Blackstone presents a comprehensive and critical overview of English criminal law and procedure, prefaced by a discussion of the philosophical and basis of the criminal justice system. His final chapter 'On the Rise, Progress, and Gradual Improvements, of the Laws of England' provides a fitting historical conclusion to the work as a whole.

The cases overseen by justices such as Henry Norris reveal fascinating details of the then rural idyll of Hackney.What these entries show us more clearly than anything else, is that for Norris, and probably also for most of his colleagues on the bench, there really was one law for the rich and another for the poor. The wording of some of the entries reveal a great deal about the prejudices and social values shared by the justices of the time.

The House of Lords presented the stage on which some of the critical confrontations in English and British constitutional and political history were played out in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth century. Published for the History of Parliament Trust.Condemned as 'useless and dangerous', the House of Lords was abolished in the revolution of 1649, shortly after the execution of King Charles I. Reinstated, along with the monarchy, at the Restoration of 1660, the House of Lords vigorously renewed its involvement in the political life of the nation. This highly illustrated book presents the first results from the research undertaken by the History of Parliament Trust on the peers and bishops between the Restoration and the accession of George I. It shows them as politicians at Westminster; as members of an elite intensely conscious of their honour and status; as a class apart, always devising new schemes - successful and unsuccessful - to increase their wealth and 'interest'; and as local grandees, to whom local society looked for leadership and protection. From the proud duke of Somerset to the beggarly Lord Mohun, from the devious earl of Oxford to the disgruntled Lord Lucas, the material here presents initial insights into the nature of the Restoration House of Lords and the men who formed it, showing them in their best moments, when they vigorously defended the law and the constitution, and in their worst, as they obsessively concerned themselves with honour and precedence and indefatigably pursued private interests. RUTH PALEY is editor, and BEVERLY ADAMS, ROBIN EAGLES and CHARLES LITTLETON are senior research fellows, for the House of Lords, 1660-1832 section of The History of Parliament. PAUL SEAWARD is director of The History of Parliament.

Looking for the best dog walks in Berkshire? Then this is the book for you. Here you'll find 20 brilliant Berkshire walking routes - all hand-picked by expert walkers and tested by even-more-expert dogs. All routes have been compiled specifically to maximise off-lead time for your four-legged friend. These walks will lead you across magnificent Windsor Great Park; along the Thames path in Reading and picturesque Remenham; through ancient water meadows near Cookham; over the open rolling downland of Lambourn, discovering woods in Ufton; splashing in water at Dinton Pastures Country Park; and enjoying the Kennet and Avon canal in Hungerford and Newbury.

Here is a collection of 20 tried and tested circular routes chosen for walkers with dogs. They include crucial dog factors such as livestock, stiles and roads, with warnings in advance when a lead is necessary and when it's safe to run free. There are also contact details for the nearest vets and recommended dog friendly pubs and cafes. Clear numbered route directions and a corresponding map for each route keep walkers on the right track and there are plenty of opportunities for dogs to roam safely off lead. The routes vary in length from 2 1/2 to 5 1/2 miles and provide a great introduction for dogs and their owners to the stunning Chilterns countryside. There are walks through beech woods, including at Great and Little Missenden; waterside walks by reservoirs near Tring, chalk streams, and the Wendover Arm; and bracing routes along the tops of hills at Ivinghoe, Dunstable Downs and West Wycombe. Many of the routes explore National Trust beauty spots; through ancient woodland and downland in the Ashridge Estate; in the rolling parkland of Hughenden; and high up on chalk and grassland at Whipsnade and Totternhoe.

With its rolling green hills, chocolate-box villages and uncrowded paths, the Chilterns is a walker's delight. This book, with its 20 circular walks ranging in length from 3 to 9 miles, takes you through the area's finest spots, with recommendations for all times of year. Highlights include: *Spring: ramble through the bluebell-carpeted woods of Cowleaze and Wendover*Summer: stroll along Coombe Hill and take in the far-reaching views of the Hambleden Valley*Autumn: walk in the blazing colour of Burnham Beeches and the Ashridge Estate*Winter: take a brisk winter wander along the River Thames at Goring or Bourne End All walks include: * Directions to the start* Parking info* Numbered route map and directions* Distance and terrain* Recommended local pubs and cafes* Points of interest along the way

The Hampshire countryside is a delight for walkers, stretching from the South Downs in the east to the New Forest in the west and the North Wessex Downs in the north. Taking in stunning coastline, rolling hills, chalk streams and sleepy villages, these circular walks, all between 4 and 8 miles in length, explore the charm and natural beauty of Hampshire's varied landscapes. At the heart of every walk is a top-rated local pub.Highlights include:*The beautiful coast along the Solent Way and Keyhaven marshes; *Far-reaching views across the hills of Watership Down; *Shimmering waters of the River Test and the Beaulieu River; *Ancient woodland and country houses at Mottisfont and Hinton Ampner;*Routes through Jane Austen country at Chawton and Steventon;All the walks include:*Recommended local pubs; *Numbered route map and directions;*Parking info and how to get there;*Points of interest along the way;*Places to visit nearby.

Discover Hampshire's beautiful countryside with this pocket-sized guide to some of the best walks in the county. There are 20 circular routes here, varying in length from 21/2 to 6 miles. At the heart of every walk is a renowned local pub, all of which have been recommended for their good food and warm welcome.Explore the rolling chalk hills of the South Downs National Park at Buriton and East Meon, the coastal mudflats at Lymington, the Solent shore at Portsmouth, and quintessential New Forest heathland at Fritham, Burley and Rhinefield.Along the way you'll uncover the best of the Hampshire countryside, including crystal-clear chalk streams, peaceful woodland and picturesque villages with duck ponds, ancient churches and thatched cottages.