Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces; Arranged under the following Heads...
No. 72, St. Paul's Church-Yard: J. Johnson, 1779. 1st Edition. Hardcover. ESTC T56601. Sabin 25565. Octavo, "A reimpression of the quarto edition of the same year in an octavo format". 4 plates, including the frontispiece portrait and folding engraving of electrical experiments. xi, [1], 567, [7]pp. NB: lacking the folding table with a proposed reformed alphabet facing p.470. A high-quality professional facsimile has been supplied. Worn three-quarter binding, identified as "Franklin's Works" on the faded spine. Evidence of a removed owner's mark on the fixed endpaper. Slight foxing throughout, dampstain in corner of early pages and frontispiece; short tear upper margin p.271; shadow of old ribbon marker p.373. Good.
The first, not exclusively scientific, collection of Franklin's writings, published in London during his lifetime. An appropriately broad collection for the noted polymath, divided into "General Politics", including population, famine and persecution, "American Politics Before the Troubles" including his Albany Papers, writing on Canada, and paper money; "American Politics During the Troubles", including many letters and the examination of Franklin before the House of Commons in 1766; "Provincial Politics" dealing with Pennsylvania; and "Miscellaneous Subjects" including spelling reform, electrical experiments, and the Aurora Borealis. Good. Item #2025-R217
Price: $7,779.00