A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America

John Adams

New-York, Re-printed and sold by H. Gaine, at the Bible, in Hanover-Square, [New York], M, DCC, LXXXVII, 1787

[John Adam's Political Philosophy : (Revolutionary Postmaster Ebenezeer Hazard's copy, very early American edition, reprinted from the First London ed.)]  Bound in 1/4 leather over marbled boards.  Gilt ruled spine.  Handsome later binding and cover.  12mo.  Collated: xxiii, [1], 390, [4] ), (2) (ads) pages.  Refs: Evans 20176; Howes A-60; Sabin 233; Reese, The Federal Hundred 11 (citing first edition). John Adams's enduring contribution to American political theory, considered the "landmark sourcebook on tripartite federal government." (The Papers of John Adams, Vol. 18, December 1785–January 1787). First published in London in 1787 while Adams served as the first United States Ambassador to England, he intended this work to refute European misrepresentations and ignorance of the political structure of America's state governments. Adams analyzed various historical constitutions and republics to put forth his argument in favor of constitutional government built on the separation of powers and robust checks and balances. The work's publication proved very timely and influenced the debates on the Federal Constitution the same year, but was later used against Adams by his political enemies during his presidency when he was accused of monarchical sympathies. 

  Provenance: Ownership signature of Postmaster General Ebenezer Hazard (1744-1817) at top of title-page.  Gen. Hazard was an important figure in Revolutionary America.  He served under Benjamin Franklin as Postmaster of New York City in 1776, associated with Washington's Army, and later was the third Postmaster General from 1782-1789.  Communication between American military forces was a vital part of the early post office and Hazard's role was important to the war effort.