Folsom Branch Library

Unearthing a Legal Treasure: The Lex Mercatoria (1629)

Unearthing a Legal Treasure: The Lex Mercatoria (1629) Rare First Edition, Second Printing – Now on View at the Old Folsom Library Museum Nestled behind the charming GiddyUp Coffeehouse in Folsom, Louisiana, lies a hidden gem for history buffs, legal scholars, and rare book collectors alike — the Old Folsom Library Museum. Among its most prized artifacts is a stunning rarity: a 1629 first edition, second printing of The Lex Mercatoria, the first book on international law ever published in English. Printed in London at the dawn of the modern era of commerce, The Lex Mercatoria (Latin for “The Law Merchant”) laid the foundation for international trade law as we know it today. This remarkable volume stands as a testament to the early efforts to codify the principles governing cross-border commerce, long before the creation of modern legal institutions. Its pages reflect a turning point in legal history — when merchants, mariners, and courts began to seek consistent standards across nations. Holding this book is like touching the very roots of global commerce and diplomacy. Whether you’re a legal historian, collector of rare texts, or simply fascinated by the echoes of the past, this is an opportunity to view a truly extraordinary piece of our intellectual heritage. 📞 To learn more or to arrange an in-person viewing, contact The Philosopher (Jerry Laiche) at 985-335-0565. 📍 Or stop by the Old Folsom Library Museum, just behind the GiddyUp Coffeehouse in Folsom, Louisiana. 🌐 Visit us online: www.tssi-no.com 📧 Email inquiries: nola1718@icloud.com