Memoires De La Vie Privee De Benjamin Franklin, Escrits Par Lui-Meme, Et Adresses A Son Fils; Suivis D'un Precis Historique De Sa Vie Politique, Et De Plusieurs Pieces, Relatives, A Ce Pere De La Liberte [Alt. Title The Autobiography Of Benjamin Franklin] Benjamin Franklin; Jacques Gibelin [Trans.] 18Th Century,Biography / Memoir,First Editions,U.S. History,U.S. Politics

Paris: Chez Buisson, Libraire, rue Haute-feuille, no. 20, 1791. First Edition. Octavo. Two parts in one as issued: [2] vi, 156; [207] pp., with pages 204-207 misnumbered 360-363, also as issued. Contemporary paper-covered boards with paper label to spine; edges sprayed. Housed in custom made chemise and slipcase by H. Zucker of Philadelphia. Light spotting and edgewear to boards with brief exposure to extremities. Binding is sound. A few ink scribbles to front pastedown and title page; occasional marginal chipping and minor stains to interior, else unmarked and legible throughout. Overall a Very Good copy of the first edition of Franklin's autobiography, preceding any English language printing and cited by Grolier American One Hundred as "the most widely read of all American autobiographies, the gift to adolescents of countless parents, godparents, and well-wishers, this book holds the essence of the American way of life." [Howes F-323; Grolier American 21; Sabin 25549; Ford 383].