[United States Constitution] | The first publication of the United States Constitution

The United States Constitution

We, the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defence, promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. … Done in Convention, by the unanimous consent of the States present, the seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the twelfth. [Philadelphia:] Printed by Dunlap & Claypoole, (19 September 1787)

4-page folio newspaper issue (462 x 289 mm) on a bifolium, text printed in a single column, surmounted by a near-page-width “headline” setting of the Preamble in six lines, the entire issue devoted exclusively to the Constitution (including the roster of its Signers, the two resolutions of the Convention adopted on 17 September recommending the procedures for ratification and for the establishment of government under the Constitution by the Confederation Congress, and George Washington’s influential cover letter of the same date to Arthur St. Clair, president of Congress) with no editorial or explanatory gloss; very lightly browned, neatly reinforced at central vertical fold, a very little marginal chipping. Blue calf folding-box by Weitz, front cover and spine gilt with federal shield and stars, spine gilt-lettered, marbled linings and edges, chemise; rubbed.