Originally published in 1861, this is an edition of a landmark work, the first publication on English common law, the Liber Albus. The following passage is part of the introduction by the translator of the text, Henry Thomas Riley. ‘From these archives, as they existed in the year of Our Lord 1419, combined probably with other sources of information now lost or unknown, The Liber Albus or 'White Book’, is a compilation - or ‘Repertory’ as the Compiler in his brief Prooemium seems inclined to call it; prepared (or rather perhaps, brought to a conclusion) in the last Mayoralty of hard Whitington, for the instruction and guidance of those to whom, before should have gained the experience of old age, the governance of the City, or the management of its affairs and interests, might under circumstances of emergency be entrusted.