Beschreibung:

Title: A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America Author: Adams, John Place: London Publisher: Printed for C. Dilly... and John Stockdale Date: 1788 Description: Volume 3 only. [2], 528, [36] pp. (8vo) 21x12.5 cm (8¼x5"), period calf, spine gilt, morocco lettering piece. The third and final volume of the first "complete edition" of American patriot and future President John Adams' important series of letters defending the Constitution from European criticisms of the doctrine of legislative balance. Adams compares the constitutions of the various states of the Union, and of the Union itself, with those of foreign countries and ancient cultures. Adams wrote these works while Minister to Britain, admiring their parliamentary system, but praising the U.S. Constitution as "admirably calculated to preserve the Union". Adams' Vice-Presidency began under Washington in 1789, directly following his return from Britain and this publication. On this copy, the volume number III on the title page has been neatly eradicated, someone at some time in the past perhaps attempting to conceal the fact that it was jus one volume of a larger set. Howes A60; Sabin 234. Lot Amendments Condition: Covers worn, front detached; minor foxing/darkening within, light stain to title-page and free endpaper, the latter leaf being detached; ink streak at top of title page covering an early signature; internally very good. Item number: 270423