[Benjamin Franklin (& Richard Jackson)] | Scarce first edition of the "Canada pamphlet"

[Benjamin Franklin (& Richard Jackson)]

The Interest of Great Britain Considered, with Regards to her Colonies, and the Acquisition of Canada and Guadaloupe. London: Printed for T. Becket, 1760

8vo (193 x 103 mm). With the final leaf that is sometimes lacking; light toning and pale spotting, the title-page reinforced at the gutter, with a short closed split and a chip in the margin, a short marginal tear at head of leaf B2, some creased corners, library stamps to title and a few additional leaves, "By Mr. Franklyn of Philade" inscribed on the title-page in an early hand and later trimmed. Modern quarter calf gilt over marbled paper boards, spine labels; very light fading to spine.

First edition of this pamphlet published near the end the French and Indian War. The author anticipates a British victory in America over the French, and debates which colony, Canada or Guadeloupe, would be better for Britain to retain. The author argues that Canada, for the sake of security on the western frontier, is more important than Guadeloupe, despite the island's valuable sugar cane.

The authorship of this work has been much disputed, with bibliographers ascribing it either to Franklin or his close friend the British politician, lawyer, and man of letters, Richard Jackson. Others argue that the two men were the joint authors of the tract.

REFERENCES

ESTC T37335; Howes J26; Sabin 35450

PROVENANCE

Mercantile Library of Philadelphia (closed in 1989)