John Cordy Jeaffreson
A Book About Lawyers
"A Book About Lawyers" by John Cordy Jeaffreson is a historical account likely written in the late 19th century. This work explores the social and professional lives of lawyers from past centuries, particularly focusing on their domestic settings within the Inns of Court and their interactions with women. The author paints a vivid picture of the evolution of legal life, including the closeness of lawyers to their families and the changes in household dynamics over time. The opening of the book describes the contrast between the vibrant, domestic life of lawyers and their families in earlier centuries versus the more solitary and professional existence of modern-day barristers. Jeaffreson reminisces about how women were once integral to the social fabric of the Inns of Court, accompanying their husbands and participating in communal life. He notes the decline of this familial presence, painting a poignant picture of the shifting cultural norms that have sidelined women in these legal institutions. The text sets the stage for a deeper exploration into the roles of love, marriage, and social station in the lives of lawyers through historical anecdotes and reflections.