[CONSTITUTIONS].

Constitutions des Treize Etats-Unis de L'Amerique.

Item #67290

[CONSTITUTIONS]. Constitutions des Treize Etats-Unis de L'Amerique. A Philadelphie; et se trouve a Paris.... 1783. [4],540pp. Modern marbled boards backed in calf; original gilt spine laid down. Contemporary inscription on titlepage. Light dampstaining and wear to top edge, first three and last two leaves reinforced with tissue at stain. Very good. The Franklin-inspired French edition of the constitutions of the original thirteen states of the newly created United States of America. Only 600 copies were printed for Franklin, of which 100 were on large paper. Franklin was then ambassador to the French Court and had just completed negotiations with Great Britain for the independence of the United States. The work was translated by the Duc de la Rochefoucauld at Franklin's suggestion and includes over fifty footnote annotations by the latter. "Franklin's grand gesture in publishing and distributing these constitutions, about which there was an intense interest and curiosity among statesmen, was one of his chief achievements as propagandist for the new American republic" - Streeter. Also included are the Declaration of Independence, Articles of Confederation, and the treaties between the United States and France, the Low Countries, and Sweden. The titlepage bears the first appearance in a book of the seal of the United States designed by Franklin (the eagle, stars, and stripes). ^The inscription on the titlepage of the present copy reads, "Donnepar M. le duc de la Rochefoucaut traducteur de cet ouvrage." In translation, "Given by M. the duke de la Rochefoucaut, translator of this work." ~HOWES C716, "aa." SABIN 16118. LIVINGSTON, FRANKLIN & HIS PRESS AT PASSY, pp.181-88. STREETER SALE 1035. COHEN 3033.

Price: $4,000.00