Books

FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Memoires de la Vie Privee de Benjamin Franklin, Ecrits pour Lui-Meme, et Adresses a Son Fils; Suivis d'un Precis Historique de Sa Vie Politique, et de Plusieurs Pieces, Relatives a ce Pere de la Liberte. Paris: Chez Buisson, 1791. vi, 156; [207] pp. [pages 204-207 misnumbered as 360-363, as issued]. 2 Parts in one as issued. 1st ed. Contemporary calf with a leather spine label, A very good copy. HOWES F-323, "b." Streeter Sale 4171. Grolier American 100, 21. Ford 383. Sabin 25549. 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 Franklin 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 truthful throughout the work about people with whom he was involved and his motives for his actions. The first British edition appeared in 1793, and the first American not until 1794.