Black's Law Dictionary is a dictionary of law first published by Dr. Henry Campbell Black in 1891.
The publishing company was West Publishing - which is still a popular legal publisher for attorneys. West started in 1872 and is now owned by the Canadian conglomerate Thomson Reuters.
The introductory page to the first edition. It states:
A DICTIONARY OF LAW
Containing
Definitions of the terms and phrases of American and English jurisprudence, ancient and modern.
Including
The principal terms of international, constitutional, and commercial law. With a collection of legal maxims and numerou select titles from the civil law and other foreign systems.
By Henry Campbell Black, M.A.
Author of Treatises on 'Judgments,' 'Tax Titles', 'Constitutional Prohibitions,' etc.
St. Paul, Minn.
West Publishing Co.
1891
The copyright page for the first edition refers to Copyright 1891 by West Publishing Company.
Other editions include:
1910 - Second Edition
1933 - Third Edition
1951 - Fourth Edition
1979 - Fifth Edition
1990 - Sixth Edition
1999 - Seventh Edition
2004 - Eighth Edition
2009 - Ninth Edition
2014 - Tenth Edition
2019 - Eleventh Edition
Question: When was the First Edition of Black's Law Dictionary Published?
Answer: 1891.
Question: How much is a first edition of Black's Law Dictionary Worth?
Answer: We have seen this book in good condition sell for $2500. Expect to pay at least $1000 for this rare and highly sought after collectible.
Question: Who was the first publisher of Black's Law Dictionary?
Answer: West Publishing Company.
Question: Who was the first author of Black's Law Dictionary?
Answer: Dr. Henry Campbell Black
Question: Who was Henry Black?
Answer: Henry Black was a prolific legal author writing many books and articles. None more famous than Black's Law Dictionary.
Question: What does M.A. after Henry Black's name refer to?
Answer: We believe it is an educational desgination for Master of Arts.
Question: Was Henry Black a lawyer?
Answer: Yes. Although he only obtained a masters degree (and later an honorary law degree), he studied law and was admitted to practice law. In the 19th century the licensing rules used to restrict who can practice law were not as extensive as they are today.
Question: What is the latest edition of Black's Law Dictionary?
Answer: The eleventh edition was released in 2019. New editions have been released every five years.
Question: Is Black's law dictionary valid?
Answer: For most purposes yes. Cases are continually overruled and laws change, so you are wise to confirm any legal reference is still valid. Black's Law Dictionary has been cited by the United States Supreme Court and is used by many lawyers as an excellent starting point for legal research.
Question: What is the best Black Law Dictionary?
Answer: For value the first edition is most collectible and worth the most. For legal research the latest edition is the best for legal analysis.
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