Books and Manuscripts

One of the Earliest English Printings of the United States Constitution

"The following is the new Plan of the Constitution of the United States of America, upon which the Convention of all the most distinguished men in the States have been deliberating for several months, and by which, if finally adopted, the Constitution of the Union is totally changed."

Urban, Sylvanus (Edward Cave)
The Gentleman's Magazine: And Historical Chronicle. Volume LVII. For the Year MDCCLXXXVII
London: Printed by John Nichols, for David Henry, 1787. In two volumes, comprising 12 monthly issues, plus Supplement, For the year 1787. First edition. 8vo. iv, 551, (1), (15); (ii), 3(553)-1,200, (16) pp. Featuring the full printing of the United States Constitution, in the second volume, beginning on pp. 1008-1011 in the November issue, and concluding on pp. 1110-1112 in the December issue. Profusely illustrated with engraved full-page and folding plates. Contemporary three-quarter brown calf over marbled paper-covered boards, stamped in gilt, front board of first volume virtually detached, other joints rubbed, extremities and boards rubbed; matching marbled edges and endpapers; armorial book-plate of Charles Shaw-Lefevre, 1st Viscount Eversley on front paste-down of each volume; scattered very light spotting and offsetting to text. 

Likely the first English magazine printing of the United States Constitution, and one of earliest English printings overall.