United States Constitution - Early English Printing in The Gentleman’s Magazine
London, 1787 - Two volumes, 8vo; full contemporary calf
 
Early English printing of the United States Constitution appearing in the November and December 1787 issues of The Gentleman’s Magazine, printed by John Nichols for David Henry under the pseudonym Sylvanus Urban. Founded in 1731 by Edward Cave, the influential periodical played a central role in disseminating news and political developments throughout Britain and Europe.
 
This publication represents one of the earliest appearances of the Constitution outside the United States, reflecting the intense European interest in the formation of the new American republic. At the time of its printing, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were serving on diplomatic missions in London; Adams notably commented on the absence of a declaration of rights in this early version.
 
Condition: Some rubbing to calf; occasional spotting and toning throughout.