The Trial of John James, a Fifth Monarch Man, at the King's Bench, for High Treason, 1661. An Original Trial Report from Cobbett's State Trials, part of the great 19th-century archive of courtroom history.
London: Cobbett's State Trials, 1810. Booklet - Unbound Pages. Very Good Condition. Item #373773
In 1661, John James, a preacher aligned with the radical Fifth Monarchist movement, was tried at the King's Bench for high treason. The Fifth Monarchists believed that Christ's kingdom was imminent and that earthly governments, including the restored monarchy were illegitimate. James had delivered sermons denouncing King Charles II and predicting divine overthrow, actions that were swiftly interpreted as seditious and treasonous. His trial reflected the new regime's determination to suppress millenarian dissent and restore royal authority. Despite his claims of religious conviction, James was convicted and executed, becoming one of several radical voices silenced in the early Restoration period. 27 pages, printed in double columns. Printed between 1809 and 1826, these historic documents are vivid extracts from Cobbett's State Trials; pages from the courtroom record that preserve the voices, arguments, and verdicts which helped shape the course of British justice and still echo through its constitutional legacy. Over two centuries old, each leaf is a tangible fragment of legal history, compelling, original, and rarely encountered outside institutional collections. These are not reprints or replicas, but authentic 19th-century printings that are rich in drama, and steeped in history. This particular trial report has been removed from a volume of Cobbett's State Trials and is now preserved in a modern card cover for practicality - an unassuming but serviceable presentation that favours function over finery. Size: 15 x 25 cms. Category: State Trials; State Trials::Octavo;.
Keywords: BZDB395 "John James, Fifth Monarchist, King's Bench, High Treason, 1661" State Trials; State Trials::Octavo; 1661 : JOHN JAMES AND THE FIFTH MONARCHY: TREASON AND PROPHECY IN RESTORATION ENGLAND The Trial of John James, a Fifth Monarch Man, at the Ki
Price: £15.95