[James Madison]. [James Harris, the first Earl of Malmesbury]. An Introduction to the History of the Dutch Republic, for the Last Ten Years, Reckoning from the Year 1777. London: Printed for G. Kearsley, 1788. First edition, from the personal collection of James Madison, with his ownership signature at the upper-right corner of the title-page. Octavo (8 x 4.875 inches; 202 x 123 mm.). [4], 318, [2, blank] pages. Modern calf binding incorporating earlier tree calf boards; boards ruled in gilt; spine in six compartments, five ruled and decoratively stamped in gilt, other with gilt-lettered red morocco label, raised bands tooled in gilt; board edges tooled in gilt; earlier plain endpapers. Half-title and title-page inner margins repaired and reinserted during binding process, a few cosmetic repairs to leaf B1 as well. Half-title lightly soiled in lower margin; a few small splashes to preliminary leaves; text block faintly foxed throughout. Boards very gently bowed with only mild rubbing. Negligible soiling to page edges. A near fine, expertly repaired copy, with distinguished provenance. Madison's love of books is well-documented, and his depth of knowledge regarding history and political philosophy is evident through his efforts in drafting the Constitution and his writings found in The Federalist Papers that followed. ESTC T152072