The Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution: The Progress.

Prince, L[e Baron]. Bradford. The Articles of Confederation vs. the Constitution: The Progress of Nationality Among the People and in the Government. At head of title: E pluribus unum. New York, Putnam, 1867. viii, 125, 6 pp. Original green blind stamped pebbled cloth with gilt stamped spine. Moderate shelfwear and rubbing to boards, chipping to front cover joint. Hinge cracked but secure at title. Previous owner's signature to title. Preliminary pages somewhat liquid stained. $65. * A historical and legal commentary that analyzes the formation of the United States government by comparing its two foundational documents. The central theme is the "progress of nationality" as the U.S. moved from a loose confederation of states to a more centralized federal system. Prince examines the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, such as the lack of a strong central executive or judiciary and the federal government's inability to directly tax or regulate trade. The author argues that the Constitution provided essential elements of power and stability by creating a stronger, more effective national government. The squiggly signature at the top of the title-page is "John Dikeman". The book was published in New York in 1867. Surely the owner is the New York lawyer, judge, and politician John Dikeman (1795-1879). He was first judge of the Court of Common Pleas of Kings County, New York, and later the County Judge for Kings. He was considered "one of the best nisi prius lawyers at the bar, and was noted for his skill and acuteness in the cross-examination, esteemed for his sound judgment [and] keen discrimination . " (The Bench and Bar of King's County, N.Y., and the Bench and Bar of the City of Brooklyn (1884), pp. 23-24).…