Author
Francis Watt
1849-1927
Francis Watt (1849-1927) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
Books by Francis Watt
The book of Edinburgh anecdote
"The Book of Edinburgh Anecdote" by Francis Watt is a collection of humorous and historical anecdotes related to Edinburgh, written in the early 20th century. The text explores a variety of subjects, from notable figures in law and the church to the whimsical tales that permeate the city's social history, highlighting the wit and eccentricities of its characters. The opening of the book introduces readers to the Parliament House, which serves as a rich source of anecdotes related to Scottish law and its practitioners. It depicts the atmosphere within the hall, where judges and lawyers, characterized by their cleverness and education, exchange tales that reflect both their lives and the larger social context of Edinburgh. The chapter details stories about prominent legal figures like Sir George Mackenzie and Henry Erskine, touching on their relationships, courtroom antics, and the quirks of Scottish legal customs. Overall, this section sets the tone for a lively exploration of Edinburgh through its stories, featuring a blend of humor, history, and cultural commentary.
The Law's Lumber Room (Second Series)
"The Law's Lumber Room (Second Series)" by Francis Watt is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book collects essays that delve into legal history, particularly focusing on the more sensational aspects of the judicial process in England, such as executions, public punishments, and historical witch trials. With a clear blend of literary insights and legal analysis, it portrays the dramatic and often grim realities of criminal justice in earlier times. The opening of this work begins with a preface that distinguishes this series from its predecessor while introducing the subjects covered. Watt notes the shift from a purely legal narrative to one that intertwines literature and history, suggesting that the tales recounted reflect a bygone era's stark realities, such as the frequent hangings that punctuated the landscape of justice. The first essay specifically examines Tyburn, the site of many public executions in London, providing vivid descriptions of the process and its cultural implications, as well as discussing famous figures who met their ends there. Through a blend of research and narrative storytelling, the author sets the stage for an exploration of the darker sides of legal history, evoking a comparative commentary on how societal values have evolved.
The Law's Lumber Room
"The Law's Lumber Room" by Francis Watt is a collection of essays on legal history written in the late 19th century. This work delves into the often archaic and curious aspects of English law, exploring peculiar legal terms, antiquated practices, and the evolution of various laws that have shaped the justice system over time. The book aims to reveal the romance hidden within the dry bones of legal history, shedding light on its more colorful and controversial aspects. The opening of the book introduces the metaphor of a lumber room filled with discarded statutes and outdated legal practices, suggesting that the complexities of law are often overlooked yet harbor fascinating stories. Watt discusses the concept of "Benefit of Clergy," a legal privilege allowing certain individuals to evade harsher penalties, and recounts its historical context as a remnant from a time when the church played a significant role in legal proceedings. He touches upon the quirks and contradictions of this practice, illustrating both the absurdities and the grim realities of how justice was administered in earlier centuries. Overall, the beginning sets the tone for a reflective exploration of historical legal practices, aiming to captivate readers with tales of law that are as peculiar as they are fascinating.