[Presidential] Jefferson, Thomas. A Manual of Parliamentary Practice. For the Use of the Senate of the United States

Washington City: Printed by Samuel Harrison Smith, 1801. First edition. 12mo. Unpaginated (197 text pp., plus one blank leaf bound after Index at front). Full 19th-century tan sheep, later red morocco spine label, stamped in blind and in gilt, boards rubbed and soiled, paper library label at foot of spine; all edges trimmed, ink stain on fore-edge of same; title-page toned and soiled, edges of same brittle with scattered creasing and small chipping, old partially removed notation in upper gutter of same; Index leaves toned and brittle; scattered spotting and light dampstaining to text. Sabin 35887; Shaw & Shoemaker 719; Reese, The Federal Hundred 86

Rare first edition of Thomas Jefferson's seminal work on legislative procedure, the first American book on the subject.

Jefferson compiled this manual during his single term as Vice-President, during which he oversaw the proceedings of the Senate. At the time, there was little in the means of written rules in which the chamber conducted itself, and Jefferson, seeking to remedy this as well as minimize criticisms of rulings from the chair, sought to provide for himself and future presiding officers and Senators a guide to parliamentary procedure. Comprehensive in scope, the work is arranged into 53 alphabetical sections, and covers various topics, from absences, quorums, motions, bills, conferences, treaties, impeachment, as well as standards of decorum and rules during debates.

This lot is located in Philadelphia.