The Constitutions of the Several Independent States of America; The Declaration of Independence; and The Articles of Confederation Between the Said States.

Rare second English edition, "the best English edition" (Howes), of the Constitutions of the thirteen newly independent American states, published only one year after the first English edition, with early printings of the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation and important U.S.-French treaties. Preceded by the 1781 American edition of only 200 copies and the 1782 first English edition, neither of which included the Declaration of Rights, the Petition to the King, the Non-Importation Agreement, or the Dutch treaty. Royal octavo, bound in one quarter contemporary calf over marbled boards, morocco spine label lettered in gilt, gilt ruling to the spine in six compartments within raised bands. Without portrait of Washington; List of the Presidents of the American Congress, and 3 pp of ads at rear. Howes C-716; Sabin 16088. In very good condition. Scattered toning and some underlining and marginalia. Ownership name to the title page. An important cornerstone of American constitutional history.