John Jerman | The American Almanack ... for 1731 — the only known copy in private hands

John Jerman

The American Almanack for For the Year of Christian Account 1731. Fitted to the Latitude of forty degrees north, and a Meridian of five hours west from London, but may without much error serve from Newfoundland to Carolina. Philadelphia: Printed and Sold by B. Franklin and H. Meredith, at the New Printing-Office near the Market, [1730]

8vo in half-sheets (157 x 92 mm). Woodcut borders; title silked, margins with Japanese tissue repairs, browning and soiling. Full antique brown calf, covers decoratively tooled in blind. Slipcase and chemise.

This is the earliest surviving almanac printed by Franklin, and the only known copy in private hands.

REFERENCES

Miller 21; ESTC W9241; Evans 3292; Hildeburn 403; Drake 9544

PROVENANCE

Stuart E. Karu (Sotheby’s, 16 June 1992, lot 6) — Dr. John R. Hansell