The Important Results of an Elaborate Investigation into the Mysterious Case of Elizabeth Fenning
Antiquarian Books and Rare Manuscripts

The Important Results of an Elaborate Investigation into the Mysterious Case of Elizabeth Fenning

This is a first edition legal and historical volume published in 1815, written by John Watkins, LL.D., and published by William Hone in London. The book details the trial and execution of Elizabeth Fenning, a controversial 19th-century criminal case. The physical item shows a title page printed on period-appropriate cream-colored laid paper. The typography utilizes a variety of fonts including Blackletter for emphasis, standard serif faces for the main body, and italics for secondary information. The condition displays significant foxing and brown spotting consistent with age and high-acid paper common in early 19th-century commercial printing. There is visible water staining or moisture damage along the right margin and top edge, along with minor edge wear and rounding of the corners. The page appears to be part of a larger bound volume, though only the interior title page is visible here. Notable details include the original price listed at 'Six Shillings and Sixpence' and the inclusion of thirty original letters from the accused. This document represents a significant piece of English legal history and true crime literature from the Regency era, showcasing the early radical publishing efforts of William Hone.

Estimated Value

$450 - $650

Basic Information

Category

Antiquarian Books and Rare Manuscripts

Appraised On

March 28, 2026

Estimated Value

$450 - $650

Item Description

This is a first edition legal and historical volume published in 1815, written by John Watkins, LL.D., and published by William Hone in London. The book details the trial and execution of Elizabeth Fenning, a controversial 19th-century criminal case. The physical item shows a title page printed on period-appropriate cream-colored laid paper. The typography utilizes a variety of fonts including Blackletter for emphasis, standard serif faces for the main body, and italics for secondary information. The condition displays significant foxing and brown spotting consistent with age and high-acid paper common in early 19th-century commercial printing. There is visible water staining or moisture damage along the right margin and top edge, along with minor edge wear and rounding of the corners. The page appears to be part of a larger bound volume, though only the interior title page is visible here. Notable details include the original price listed at 'Six Shillings and Sixpence' and the inclusion of thirty original letters from the accused. This document represents a significant piece of English legal history and true crime literature from the Regency era, showcasing the early radical publishing efforts of William Hone.

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