Federal Period
First Edition of John Adams' Landmark Work on Constitutional Theory "A Defence of the Constitution of Government of the United States of America"
1787 Rare First Edition, Two Volume Set, Complete (I and II), Octavo, titled, "A Defence of the Constitution of Government of the United States of America" by John Adams, Printed in London for C. Dilly, Extremely Fine.
First Edition of John Adams' landmark work in Two Volumes (I and II), measuring 8.5" x 5.5" each, beautifully bound in tan, custom cloth boards with gold imprinting on the spines. Printed in London for C. Dilly, while John Adams served as a diplomat. In his "A Defence of the Constitutions of the Government of the United States of America", Adams sought to explain the philosophy behind the development of the United States Constitution, which was later ratified in 1789. Adams combed through historical government and the minds of philosophers to argue for the separation of powers within government and the importance of a Bill of Rights to protect the citizenry. The books consists of a series of well-argued, powerful letters, each of which could stand on its own merits, but when taken as a whole, the effect is overwhelming.
John Adams (1735-1826) was one of America's Founding Fathers who played important parts in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence in and the development of the U.S. Constitution. The letters in this book influenced the principles contained in the Constitution, even though Adams was away at the time.
Adams wrote these books while serving as the Minister to the Court of St. James in England. It was a response criticism from the French economist, Anne Robert Jacques Turgot, who had criticized the new American state constitutions on economic graounds. Adams's "Defence" was often cited in the debates of the Constitutional Convention, making it a critical and essential part of American history. Extremely Rare and essential for any American historical Library.
We note that another online book dealer lists a deceptively "Tampered" set, "A DEFENCE OF THE CONSTITUTION OF GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. [VOLUMES TWO AND THREE], by John Adams (1735-1826), Published by C. Dilly and John Stockdale 1787/1788, London, 1787 which were tampered to appear to read Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 is listed at $4,000 USD.
Whereas, awe note a similar proper First Edition Set of John Adams' landmark work to our current offering, Octavo, original boards, minor wear, in very good condition, housed in a custom half calf clamshell box in the original boards is offered for sale at $16,000 USD.

Our Auction Contents:

Black History & Slavery: (Lots 1 - 63)
Abraham Lincoln Related: (Lots 64 - 74)
Historic Autographs: (Lots 75 - 235)
Colonial America: (Lots 236 - 261)
Revolutionary War: (Lots 262 - 304)
George Washington Related: (Lots 305 - 306)
Early American Guns & Weapons: (Lots 307 - 318)