Beschreibung:

ADAMS, JOHN, President . A Defence of the Constitutions of Government of the United States of America. London: C. Dilly 1787-88. 3 vols., 8vo, 213 x 127 mm. (8 3/8 x 5 in.), contemporary tree calf, edges stained yellow, worn and repaired at edges and corners, rebacked preserving original spine labels and paste-downs, quarter green morocco slipcase. FIRST EDITION, half-titles present in vols. 2 and 3. Sabin 234. PRESENTATION COPY, each volume inscribed by the author as Secretary of State TO CHARLES MAURICE DE TALLEYRAND-PÉRIGORD: "Presented to Mr. Talleyrand Perigord by Mr. Adams Philadelphia May.21.1794."; vols. 2 and 3 inscribed "Presented to Mr. Talleyrand Perigord Philadelphia May 21, 1794"; vol. 1 with additional inscription: "Given to me Jan. 1, 1797 by M. La Rochefoucauld Liancourt Guillemarde." An evocative association, the set inscribed by the Vice-President four years before the "X,Y,Z Affair," -- in which Talleyrand was a principal actor on the French side -- almost precipitated war between the United States and France and caused the most serious diplomatic crisis of Adams's single term as President. Talleyrand-Pèrigord (1754-1838), formerly Bishop of Autun, became a member of the Estates-General and National Assembly during the Revolution and proposed the confiscation of Church property to subsidize the government, for which he was excommunicated in 1791. After serving as envoy to England he became Minister of Foreign Affairs (from 1797-1807). Talleyrand was well-known for his dislike of Americans so it is understandable that he gave the books away a few years after receiving the gift.