Forensic Fables by O. (plus) Further Forensic Fables by O (plus) Final Forensic Fables by O. (first and second series)

London: Butterworth & Co, 1926-32 Second impression of first title, the other three being first editions. These four books have been sturdily bound into one volume, done for the original owner (who was known to the author) in brown cloth with gilt title to spine on leather label, and gilt title to front cover. These witty moral tales of British law were written by the barrister Theo Matthew (d.1939), and illustrated by him with pen caricature drawings- each of these 4 volumes has over 20 of these illustrations as full page plates. This copy has also two extra works by O taped in at front and back endpapers: at the back is The Story of an Ancient Line, a booklet with red paper wrappers published by Watson , London, consisting of 12 cartoons lampooning an aristocratic family history. At the front taped in is a 4 page pamphlet on The Peers and the Budget, with 4 cartoons by the same hand. This is inscribed 'AL. With the author's compliments, March 1905'. The booklet at the back is also inscribed: 'AL. With the author's compliments..35'. The initials AWL appear on the spine of the book in gilt, so it appears that the owner of the book AL was known to Matthew (O). A Very Good copy. The main contents are clean, but have various small pressed flowers inserted loosely; the covers have light marking and rubbing. The first insert is on heavily tanned, brittle paper, which has torn. The back insert has frayed wrapper edges, and some of the red colour of the wrapper has transferred to last page of book. Photos available.