Quarto newer calf binding on 5 raised bands with remnants of original leather mounted on covers (old leather with cracklure & scuffed). Titlepage in red and black + [4pp dedication] + [8pp Preface] + [12p Contents] +304pp +[12pp insertions] +[2pp errata]. End papers reinserted & repaired retaining inscriptions ("APAB." and "bought at Dr. Smith's Sale"), free endpaper, titlepage and dedication leaves restored at edge with no loss of text. Marginal damp staining not affecting text except some side notes. Chiefly in Latin but with some English and a little French, Greek, Arabic & Hebrew etc (STC 22175 Sabin 78971). *In refuting Grotius's Mare Liberum Selden drew on his erudite historical knowledge to claim that countries had a right to what we now call territorial waters. His argument became the basis for maritime law until recent times. This work made a significant contribution to the development of international law.