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 throughthe 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 notesthroughout the four volumes assist the modern reader in understanding this key text in the Anglo-American common law tradition.Book I: Of the Rights of PeopleVolume Editor: David LemmingsBook II: Of the Rights of ThingsVolume Editor: Simon SternBook III: Of Private WrongsVolume Editor: Thomas P. GallanisBook IV: Of Public WrongsVolume Editor: Ruth Paley