
The combined writings of John Jay, James Madison and Alexander Hamilton (who contributed 51 of the 85 essays), it proved enormously influential in supporting the new constitution.
One of the few copies printed on ‘superfine royal writing paper’ and priced at ten shillings, a two volume, 1788 first in period binding sold for $190,000 (£142,855) in San Francisco, the high point of a May 31 sale held by PBA Galleries (20/15% buyer’s premium).