Fall Discovery Auction
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 10/29/2014
15th President of the U.S. Book “Constitutional Law” boldly signed at the top of the title page. It is also signed by his niece, Harriet Lane Johnston, who served as hostess during for the bachelor president during Buchanan’s term as president. When Buchanan died in 1868 she inherited his library.She signs here “H. L. Johnston 1868”. The book Constitutional Law, "Being a Collection Of Points Arising Upon the Constitution and Jurisprudence of the United States which have been Settled by Judicial Decision and Practice" By Thomas Sergeant, 415pg , 5.5"x9.25". Philadelphia:1822 Hardcover printed and published by Abraham Small.Buchanan, who had been admitted to the bar in 1812 when he was 21, was a Member of Congress when this book was published. On page 313 Buchanan has written an extensive note, and on the last page, which was blank, he has penned 240 words concerning roads and canals. The book is internally sound, but the board covers are present but loosely attached only by tape. The book itself is enclosed in a handsome display box constructed by a previous owner. The cover of that box also is held on by tape. Buchanan’s library was small, so his books are scarce. A president’s book on constitutional law is highly desirable, especially with the lightly notes contained within.
James Buchanan, Rare Signed Constitutional Law Book
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