Books

Paris: Buisson, 1791. First edition. Translated by Jacques Gribelin. 2 parts in one volume. [2],vi,156,[207]pp. (pp.204-207 misnumbered 360-363). 1 vols. 8vo. Contemporary French mottled calf, spine gilt, marbled endpapers, minor loss to morocco booklabel, minor wear at head of spine. First edition. Translated by Jacques Gribelin. 2 parts in one volume. [2],vi,156,[207]pp. (pp.204-207 misnumbered 360-363). 1 vols. 8vo. First edition, preceding any English-language printing, of Franklin's autobiography. This is certainly Franklin's best known book, and a classic Americanum in which he tells the story of his climb, through thrift and frugality, from poverty to success and influence. It is also one of the best pictures of life in Philadelphia during his youth and middle age. Franklin is remarkably candid throughout the work about people with whom he was involved and his own motives for his actions. The first British edition appeared in 1793, followed by the first American printing in…