Fine Books & Manuscripts online Online
Description:
Franklin, Benjamin (1706-1790) Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces. London: for J. Johnson, 1779. First collected edition, octavo, "the only edition of Franklin's writings (other than his scientific) which was printed during his lifetime"--Ford 342; with the following illustrations: engraved frontispiece profile bust of Franklin, folding typographical table of the Reformed Alphabet bound at page 470, folding engraving facing page 487, and two full-page engravings at pages 510 and 522, bound in full contemporary lightly sprinkled tan calf boards, smooth spine ruled in gilt with original red morocco label (both joints cracked, boards barely holding on, boards and corners worn and rubbed with loss to covering material),some deckled edges, 8 1/2 x 5 in.
This collection of works was edited by the British politician Benjamin Vaughan, a friend of Franklin's who later helped negotiate the peace between their warring nations.
Estimate $2,000-3,000
A6, B-Z8, Aa-Oo8 (last leaf, Oo8 may or may not be the integral blank).
Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Keywords
Benjamin Vaughan, Franklin, London, United KingdomJohn Dorfman
Director, Books & Manuscripts
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Fine Books & Manuscripts
The Fine Books & Manuscripts department delivers scholarship, expertise, and attention to detail in appraisals, evaluations, and auctions of rare books and historically important material ranging from medieval manuscripts to presidential documents.