Commentaries on the Laws of England

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Commentaries on the Laws of England

work by Blackstone

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June 24, 2026

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Commentaries on the Laws of England is a seminal four-volume work by Sir William Blackstone, published between 1765 and 1769. It provided a comprehensive and accessible overview of English law, covering topics such as the rights of persons, real property, civil liability, and criminal law. Despite some criticisms regarding superficiality and a lack of historical depth, the Commentaries were highly influential due to their clear style and intelligibility. The work became a foundational text for legal education in both England and North America, significantly shaping the understanding and development of law in the United States following the American Revolution.12

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common law
Influence of Blackstone
His most influential work, the Commentaries on the Laws of England, was published between 1765 and 1769 and consisted of four books: Of the Rights of Persons dealt with family and public law; Of the Rights of Things gave a brilliant outline of real-property law; Of Private Wrongs covered civil…
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His most influential work, the Commentaries on the Laws of England, was published between 1765 and 1769 and consisted of four books: Of the Rights of Persons dealt with family and public law; Of the Rights of Things gave a brilliant outline of real-property law; Of Private Wrongs covered civil…
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Jeremy Bentham
Early life and works
…and fundamental” fault of the Commentaries to be Blackstone’s “antipathy to reform.” Bentham’s book, written in a clear and concise style different from that of his later works, may be said to mark the beginning of philosophical radicalism. It is also a very good essay on sovereignty. Lord Shelburne (afterward…
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…and fundamental” fault of the Commentaries to be Blackstone’s “antipathy to reform.” Bentham’s book, written in a clear and concise style different from that of his later works, may be said to mark the beginning of philosophical radicalism. It is also a very good essay on sovereignty. Lord Shelburne (afterward…
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Sir William Blackstone
…was an English jurist, whose Commentaries on the Laws of England, 4 vol. (1765–69), is the best-known description of the doctrines of English law. The work became the basis of university legal education in England and North America. He was knighted in 1770.
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…was an English jurist, whose Commentaries on the Laws of England, 4 vol. (1765–69), is the best-known description of the doctrines of English law. The work became the basis of university legal education in England and North America. He was knighted in 1770.
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censorship
The 17th and 18th centuries
…of the press in his Commentaries on the Laws of England:
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…of the press in his Commentaries on the Laws of England:
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