Books and Manuscripts

Wilson, James, and Thomas M'Kean
Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States of America, with that Constitution Prefixed, in Which are Unfolded, the Principles of Free Government, and the Superior Advantages of Republicanism Demonstrated
London: Printed for J. Debrett, J. Johnson, and J.S. Jordan, 1792. First English edition. 8vo. 147, (3) pp.; including half-title and errata, but with the index removed (as sometime found). Disbound, remnants of previous binding along spine, repair in upper gutter of half-title; small hole in bottom margin, pp. 5/6; small chipping and light wear along edges; loss in top corner of final leaf, not affecting text; two short closed tears in top edge, pp. 47/48; closed tear in upper fore-edge, pp. 97/98. With the ownership signature of John Meredith Read III, dated Albany, 1896 at head of title-page. In brown cloth fall-down-back box. Sabin 104627; Ford, Pamphlets on the Constitution 91; ESTC T138356; Not in Howes

Rare first English edition of James Wilson and Thomas McKean's speeches in favor of the Federal Constitution, given during the contentious Pennsylvania ratification debates of 1787. These speeches were recorded by reporter Thomas Lloyd and were first published privately in Philadelphia in 1788 under the title The Debates of the Convention of the State of Pennsylvania. This English edition is considered by Sabin and Ford to be a reissue, using the remainder of those 1788 sheets, but with the inclusion of a new title-page and pp. 20-23, that were printed in England.