ADAMS JOHN A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of t

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ADAMS, JOHN. A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America. [2], xxxi, [1], 3-392; [4], 451; [2], 528, [36] pages. 3 volumes. 8vo, uniform contemporary calf, moderate wear, front covers coming loose; minor dampstaining, mostly in the first volume. London, 1787-88

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first complete 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. . . . The first volume was published in time to be consulted by the members of the Convention of 1787"--Larned, Literature of American History 2287. Howes A60 ("aa"), Sabin 234 (both with incorrect collation). The full three-volume set has appeared only twice at auction since 1955.