(LAW) Adams John A Defence of the Constitutions of Governmen

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(LAW.) Adams, John. A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America. [2], xxxi, [1], 3-392 pages. 8vo, original boards, minor wear, front board detached, small sticker and early manuscript title reading "Adams' Defence of America" on backstrip; uncut and partially unopened. London, 1787

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first edition. Adams wrote this work on constitutional theory while serving as Minister to the Court of St. James. It was a response to the liberal French statesman Turgot, who had criticized the new American state constitutions for their conservative economic framework. Adams's Defence was often cited in the debates of the Constitutional Convention. "A work marked by insight, breadth of views, conviction, courage, and—we may venture to add—much wisdom"--Larned, Literature of American History 2287. This volume was issued as a stand-alone work, and was followed by two supplemental volumes the next year. Howes A60 ("aa"), Sabin 234.