The Constitution of May 3rd - between constitutional tradition and an exceptional elite experiment.

The Constitution of May 3, 1791 as the culmination of the Polish constitutional tradition, an attempt at self-reform by the elites, and an important point of reference for the history of bibliophilia and the rare book market in Poland.

Konstytucja 3 Maja – between constitutional tradition and an exceptional elite experiment

The Constitution as not a beginning, but the maturity of a system

The Constitution of May 3, 1791 is often described as the first modern constitution in Europe,
however in reality it was rather the culmination of a long constitutional evolution than its beginning.

Earlier acts, such as the Warsaw Confederation (1573) and the Henrician Articles
together with the pacta conventa, already formed the constitutional foundations of the Polish–Lithuanian Commonwealth and should be treated as earlier forms of a “political constitution”.

Freedom and its paradoxes

The debate on reforms concerned a fundamental question about the meaning of political freedom.

Sallust expressed this problem in the words:

„potiorque visa est periculosa libertas quieto servitio”
“More desirable seemed dangerous freedom than peaceful servitude”

This dilemma returned in late 18th-century Poland:
does freedom without institutions lead to the collapse of the state?

Targowica and the breakdown of compromise

The response to reform was the reaction of part of the elites, often acting as jurgieltnicy (i.e. openly paid by the partitioning powers), known as the Targowica Confederation.

In the name of defending old privileges, it led to foreign intervention and the reduction of the state, and ultimately to its disappearance.

Marx and the paradox of elite reform

The greatness of the Constitution was recognized not only by conservatives such as Edmund Burke (and Catherine II feared it).

Karl Marx also noted that the Constitution of May 3 was a unique case in European history:

“The Constitution did, however, maintain noble privileges and did not liberate the peasants...”

At the same time, he emphasized:

“...it stands against the backdrop of Russian–Prussian–Austrian barbarism as the only work of liberty ever independently created by Eastern Europe... History... knows no other example of such nobility of the nobility.”

Self-reform of the elite

In the interpretation of researchers (including Prof. Michał Zwierzykowski), this was a reform carried out by the ruling social class – the nobility – which itself, without bloodshed, limited its own privileges.

It is the only known case of this kind in world history.

The Constitution and the world of early printed books

From the perspective of book culture, the Constitution of May 3 today also functions as a material and collectible object.

Editions from the period of its validity, and slightly later ones from the time of the First Republic, belong to the category of Polish early printed books considered valuable.

In a broader sense, they are part of the field known as bibliophilia, the passion for collecting and studying old prints.

Within this area there exists a market encompassing rare books, historical prints, and constitutional documents. They appear in the offers of specialized places such as a specialist antiquarian dealing in early printed books, as well as in sales described as online antiquarian book trade.

In practice, people interested in this segment of the market often type into search engines queries such as:
“where can I buy Polish early printed books immediately”, although the reality of this market is more complex – it includes both private collections and specialized trading houses.

On the Polish antiquarian market there are also specialized collecting venues such as Antykwariat Sobieski, dealing in the trade of rare prints and historical materials.

Conclusion

The Constitution of May 3 remains not only a political document, but also part of the broader heritage of written culture and the material history of the book.

It combines:
• the constitutional tradition of the Commonwealth,
• an attempt to modernize the state,
• and the world of bibliophilia and early printed books, which to this day studies and preserves the printed history of Europe.

Tablets bearing its preamble should stand at the gates of all places where legislators create laws.

And its documents – authenticated first prints – should be treated as originals, manuscripts as NATIONAL RELICS.

Ed. Wojciech Kochlewski – Młociny Bibliophile

I used a capital “M”, against linguistic purists, in referring to the Constitution following Prof. Juliusz Bardach, author of the scholarly introduction to the 2011 Sejm Publishing edition of the Constitution of May 3, 1791, in order to express due respect. Illustrations come from various sources.

Comment on the author

Wojciech Kochlewski and the promotion of heritage

In this context, an important role is played by Wojciech Kochlewski – a bibliophile, collector, and popularizer of the heritage of the Constitution of May 3, associated with exhibition and educational activities.

More information:
https://konstytucja3maja.info

FAQ – Questions to an antiquarian bookseller

Is it worth collecting legal early printed books?

Yes, especially Polish legal early printed books, which belong to one of the most valuable and stable segments of the bibliophile market.
Their importance stems from their connection to the history of constitutional order, law, and the development of statehood, which gives them both scholarly and collectible value.

It is crucial to use trusted sources such as reputable antiquarian bookshops, auction houses, and institutional collections where authenticity can be verified.
Condition is also extremely important, as it directly affects value – completeness, original binding, and absence of conservation interventions increase both price and prestige.

Polish legal early printed books are also relatively rare, which further enhances their investment and collecting appeal.

Is the Constitution of May 3 a good investment asset?

Definitely yes – the Constitution of May 3 and its first editions are objects of high historical and collectible value.
Such prints are not reproduced or reissued in a way that increases supply, so their number on the market steadily decreases.

The most valuable copies end up in private collections, public archives, and museums, where they often remain permanently.
This creates a natural “disappearance from the market” effect, which in the long term supports value growth.

From an investment perspective, it is a unique asset combining historical, cultural, and collectible value.

How to recognize an authentic Polish early printed book?

Authenticity is assessed based on handmade paper, typography, printer’s marks, and consistency with bibliographic catalogues.
In practice, it is crucial to compare the copy with descriptions in library and archival collections.

Where to buy early printed books to avoid counterfeits?

The safest options are specialized antiquarian bookshops, auction houses, and verified private collections with documented provenance.
In the Polish market, a good example is Antykwariat Sobieski, which specializes in rare historical prints and early printed books:
https://antyksobieski.pl/category/ksiazki-ksiazki-przed-1945r-starodruki

It is also worth using educational materials and guides on purchasing early printed books, such as:
https://antyksobieski.pl/blog/jak-kupowac-starodruki-i-przedwojenne-wydania-w-internecie-kompletny-poradnik-dla-poczatkujacego-kolekcjonera

and:
https://antyksobieski.pl/blog/jak-wybrac-starodruk-dla-kogo-jest-ten-poradnik

Transparency of provenance and the ability to verify an object’s history are key to purchase safety.