[CONSTITUTION]
The Constitutions of the Several Independent States of America. [Dublin:] London printed, from the original Philadelphia edition ... and Dublin reprinted: Gilbert, Price, et al., 1783. First Dublin edition. Contemporary calf with red morocco lettering label. 8 1/4 x 5 inches (21 x 12 cm); [vii], 264 pp. Joints cracked and holding by cords, small losses to label, the title page with a portion of the lower margin excised not affecting text, dampstaining affecting sections of the text, ink signature of Joh. H. Wicht to title, modern bookplate of J.W. Simons to pastedown.

The uncommon Dublin edition of The Constitutions of the Several Independent States of America. This volume collects the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, the constitutions of the original thirteen states, the Treaty of Amity and Commerce, and the Treaty of Alliance. First printed in Philadelphia in 1781 in just 200 copies, the Dublin edition was issued the same year as the London edition in 1783 but includes as Sabin notes "a curious preface, or advertisement" not present in the London edition. The Editor's Advertisement opens "After the Colonies of North America had completely renounced their allegiance to the Mother County, by their solemn Declaration of Independence, in the month of July 1776, each of the states into which they were then divided, adopted different forms of independent governments, besides entering into a general treaty of confederation and union." The Editor continues describing how he came into possession of one of the 200 copies of the even then scarce Philadelphia edition and that these documents form the "Magna Charta of the United American States." Sabin 16090 ("This Irish edition is scarce.")