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 i🍌n 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 e🎐ssence of the American way of life" (Grolier)

REFERENCE:

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

PROVENANCE:

Jean Hersholt (signed A🎉rt Deco bookpౠlate to chemise)