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First edition of the first part of Franklin's autobiography, "one of the world's most popular autobiographical studies, remarkable for its frank account of the author's misadventures and for an ability to inspire numerous individuals with its account of self-discipline and motivation" (ODNB) Franklin wrote his autobiography in four stages - at Twyford in 1771, Passy in 1784, and Philadelphia in 1788 and 1789. The parts were written in English and circulated in a small number of manuscript copies. This French translation of the first part was the first appearance of any part in print. The second part was first published in 1798 (also in French), the third in 1818 (in English), and the fourth in 1828 (in French). The first part was first published in English in 1793, poorly translated from this edition. The complete autobiography was not published together in English until 1868. The first part covers Franklin's youth from 1706 to 1731. It attributes his rise from obscurity to fame to his frugality, work, and discipline, despite the occasional misdemeanour. The later parts took the autobiography to 1758 (Franklin died before extending it further), but it is this first part which has remained the most enduring. This is chiefly for its moral precepts, which have ensured it has long been "the gift to adolescents of countless parents, godparents and well-wishers... this book holds the essence of the American way of life" (Grolier, p. 58). It is unknown how the First edition of the first part of Franklin's autobiography, "one of the world's most popular autobiographical studies, remarkable for its frank account of the author's misadventures and for an ability to inspire numerous individuals with its account of self-discipline and motivation" (ODNB) Franklin wrote his autobiography in four stages - at Twyford in 1771, Passy in 1784, and Philadelphia in 1788 and 1789. The parts were written in English and circulated in a small number of manuscript copies. This French translation of the first part was the first appearance of any part in print. The second part was first published in 1798 (also in French), the third in 1818 (in English), and the fourth in 1828 (in French). The first part was first published in English in 1793, poorly translated from this edition. The complete autobiography was not published together in English until 1868. The first part covers Franklin's youth from 1706 to 1731. It attributes his rise from obscurity to fame to his frugality, work, and discipline, despite the occasional misdemeanour. The later parts took the autobiography to 1758 (Franklin died before extending it further), but it is this first part which has remained the most enduring. This is chiefly for its moral precepts, which have ensured it has long been "the gift to adolescents of countless parents, godparents and well-wishers... this book holds the essence of the American way of life" (Grolier, p. 58). It is unknown how the publisher Buisson acquired the manuscript of this part. Querard attributes the translation to Jacques Gibelin, a naturalist who had been in England. READ MORE Octavo (196 x 122 mm). Contemporary blue paper-covered boards, manuscript paper label to spine, edges trimmed and sprinkled blue. Housed in custom blue cloth chemise in blue morocco pull-off case by H. Zucker of Philadelphia. Contemporary ink shelfmark to front pastedown offsetting to title page. Minimal rubbing and soiling to binding, square and firm without repair, light spotting and browning to contents: a very well-preserved copy. Ford, Franklin Bibliography, 383; Grolier American 100, 21; Howes F323b; Sabin 2554.