Ignoramus, Comoedia; Scriptore Georgio Ruggle

1787. with 2 engraved plates and 4 text illustrations. with 2 engraved plates and 4 text illustrations. First Critical Edition of Ruggle's Classic Legal Satire Ruggle, George [1675-1622]. Hawkins, John Sidney, Editor. Ignoramus, Comoedia; Scriptore Georgio Ruggle, A.M. Aulae Clarensis, Apud Cantabrigienses, Olim Socio; Nunc Denuo in Lucem Edita cum Notis Historicis et Criticis; Quibus Insuper Praeponitur Vita Auctoris, et Subjicitur Glossarium Vocabula Forensia Dilucide Exponens: Accurante Johanne Sidneio Hawkins, Arm. London: Prostat Venalis Apud T. Payne et Filium, 1787. vii, cxxii, [2], 319, [1] pp. Copperplate frontispiece. 2 woodcut plates, 4 woodcut text illustrations. Octavo (8-1/4" x 5"). Later buckram, gilt title and library name to spine, endpapers renewed, edges of text block green. Light soiling and shelfwear, spine darkened, library bookplate and small circular sticker to front pastedown. Light toning to interior, occasional light foxing, ink library stamp to title page and several other leaves. $150. * The first critical edition of the work that coined the term "ignoramus." With extensive notes (the first 122 pages) in English, a life of Ruggle, commentary explaining the jokes and a 60-page glossary, in parallel columns, of legal terms. Text of the play in Latin. Ruggles's classic acerbic satire of the English bench and bar was written in Latin and first performed in 1615. Designed to ridicule the language of the common law and the dullness of lawyers, the play is based on events relating to a legal dispute between the vice-chancellor of Cambridge University and the mayor of Cambridge. The lawyers who were the subject of the play's satire did not enjoy the work; Sir Edward Coke, the Lord Chief Justice, believed that he was a target of some of the barbs. The play provoked a quarrel between academics and lawyers. The lawyers responded with satirical poems and ballads, which inspired responses by the academics, to create a passionate controversy. Along with its introduction of the term "ignoramus," Ruggle's play even had an influence in the reform of legal language in England. English Short-Title Catalogue T154171.