Rastell, John, d. 1536.
Rastell's Terms of the Law : English Law
John Rastell (d. 1536) was a “renaissance man” – lawyer, architect, musician, playwright, publisher, and even coroner. A member of the Middle Temple, he wrote four law books and published many more at his press in London. Among his non-literary endeavors were managing the transport of artillery during the French war of 1512-1514, participating in an aborted voyage to the Americas, and serving as a member of Parliament. Rastell eventually became a protestant, and an active supporter of Thomas Cromwell and the Reformation, which became his undoing – he was imprisoned in 1535 for criticizing the system of tithes and died in jail the following year.
Exposiciones terminorum legum anglorum, later known as the Termes de la ley, is the first English law dictionary providing definitions of words in alphabetical order. It was undeniably popular and was issued in twenty-nine editions between the initial impression in 1523 and the last in 1819. In later imprints, editors slowly added to Rastell's original text, adding bits of antiquarian tradition as well as corrections and expansions. In all later editions except, the Anglo-Norman text is accompanied by a parallel English translation.
The Rastell dictionary was chosen as Tarlton Law Library's symbolic Millionth Volume, to celebrate the strong research collection Tarlton has developed for the Law School and the University of Texas. An extremely rare and significant work, its acquisition was made possible through the generous gift of distinguished alumnus Joseph D. Jamail.
Biographical information about Rastell can be found in Albert J. Geritz's John Rastell (Boston: Twayne, 1983), and in Roger Coleman's introduction to the 1971 edition of Rastell's play, The Four Elements (Cambridge [England]: University Printing House).
Bibliography
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