Benjamin Franklin | First edition in English of Franklin's memoirs

Benjamin Franklin

The Private Life of the late Benjamin Franklin... Originally written by Himself, and now translated from the French. London: Printed for J. Parsons, 1793

8vo (205 x 130 mm). Half-title; infrequent pale spotting, short marginal tear to leaf B2, an uncommonly bright and fresh copy. Near contemporary quarter speckled calf over marbled paper boards, parchment corners, gilt-ruled spine, red leather spine label, edges stained yellow; a thin crack along the front joint, rubbing and wear.

The first edition in English of Franklin's memoirs, among the most widely read and influential autobiographies ever written. Originally published in an unauthorized French translation in 1791 (see preceding lot), the book was translated back into English for this London edition. "The portion written by Franklin extends only to the year 1730, and the continuation is based upon Wilmer's 'Memoirs of … Franklin'" (NUC).

REFERENCES

ESTC T10670; Howes F323; Sabin 25573

PROVENANCE

Sir Walter Calverley Trevelyan (English naturalist and geologist, bookplate)