FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN | Mémoires De La Vie Privée ... suivis d'un Précis historique de sa Vie politique, et de plusieurs Pièces, relatives à ce Père de la Liberté. Paris: Chez Buisson, 1791

The Property of a Gentleman

FRANKLIN, BENJAMIN

Mémoires De La Vie Privée ... suivis d'un Précis historique de sa Vie politique, et de plusieurs Pièces, relatives à ce Père de la Liberté. Paris: Chez Buisson, 1791 

Two parts in one volume, 8vo (7 5/8 x 5 in.; 195 x 125 mm). Woodcut vignette on title; some spotting and occasional marginal staining. Contemporary boards, marbled paper spine with manuscript label; a little rubbed. Cloth chemise. 

First edition of the first part of this renowned autobiography. This pirated edition appeared the year after Franklin's death. "The most widely read of all American autobiographies, the gift to adolescents of countless parents ... this book holds the essence of the American way of life" (Grolier)

REFERENCE:

Ford 383; Grolier, American 21; Howes F323; Sabin 25549

PROVENANCE:

Jean Hersholt (signed Art Deco bookplate to chemise)