Books and Manuscripts

Paris, 1792. In two volumes. Nouvelle Edition (Second edition). 8vo. (ii), 323, (1); 317 pp. Translated into French by the Duc de la Rochefoucault. Quarter red cloth over marbled paper-covered boards, stamped in gilt, extremities and boards rubbed; speckled edges; dampstaining in fore-edge of most leaves of first volume, moderate to heavy foxing and offsetting in same; scattered foxing in second volume. Howes C-716; Sabin 16120

First published by the Duc de le Rochefoucault in 1783 at the suggestion of Benjamin Franklin, this second edition, published nine years later, reprints Rochefoucault's translation of the constitutions of the 13 United States, as well as other important documents from the founding of the US, including the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, as well as various treaties and alliances. This second edition, published at the height of the French Revolution, was updated to print the newly enacted Constitution and Bill of Rights, and was likely very influential in French debates after the fall of the monarchy leading up to their second Constitution of 1793.