- 69
Franklin, Benjamin
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- paper
The Way to Wealth, or Poor Richard Improved; La science du Bonhomme Richard, ou moyen facile de payer les impôts. Paris: Printed [by P. Causse in Dijon] for Ant[oine] Aug[ustin] Renouard, 1795
8vo (7 1/8 x 4 5/8 in.; 180 x 116 mm, uncut). Half-title, engraved portrait by Alexandre Tardieu after Duplessis, printer's device on title; some small marginal spots on portrait and title. Contemporary glazed green wrappers, in a half green morocco drop-box; backstrip broken, edges and covers rubbed.
8vo (7 1/8 x 4 5/8 in.; 180 x 116 mm, uncut). Half-title, engraved portrait by Alexandre Tardieu after Duplessis, printer's device on title; some small marginal spots on portrait and title. Contemporary glazed green wrappers, in a half green morocco drop-box; backstrip broken, edges and covers rubbed.
Provenance
Acquisition: Ursus Rare Books
Literature
Ford, 107 & 135; Sabin 25596
Condition
Half-title, engraved portrait by Alexandre Tardieu after Duplessis, printer's device on title; some small marginal spots on portrait and title. Contemporary glazed green wrappers, in a green half-morocco drop-box; backstrip broken, edges and covers rubbed.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Renouard's bi-lingual edition of Franklin's popular aphorisms, first published as the preface to the Poor Richard's Almanac for 1758. This elegant Parisian edition attests to the high regard in which Franklin was held, earned from his years representing the United States at Versailles.
This edition also includes Franklin's private letter to Madame Passy, along with "Dialogue entre la goutte et Franklin," the poem "Le Sage et la goutte," and the essay "Quelques mots sur l'Amérique, avis à ceux qui voudroient aller s'établir dans cette contrée." Franklin's "epitaph" appears in both French and English. This copy does not contain the two publisher's catalogues found in a few copies, but does contain the separately paginated "Observations sur les Sauvages du Nord de l'Amerique" which is said (by Ford) to be present in only a few copies.
A beautiful copy in original condition.