La Science du Bonhomme Richard de Benjamin Franklin, Precedee d'un abrege de la Vie de Franklin, et suivie de son lnterrogatoire devant la Chamb re des Communes.
Paris. L'Imprimerie des Sciences et Arts, L'An II de la Republique Francoise. 1794. 16cm, (in12's), [ii],lxiv,119p., in contemporary quarter calf backed continential marble paper over boards, dark crimson morocco label, wear on the spine and board edges, four line ms ink note on one margin, slightly tinted blue paper, wanting free fly in the contemporary binding style, very good to fine copy. (Amp). Item #42547
A copy of this book was given to each guest as a party favour. Sabin 25585. Ford 133. Quérard III-199. Quérard states that La Vie de Franklin was written by the French economist Jean-Baptiste Say, 1867-1832. Franklin's way to wealth was first published in Poor Richard's Almanac for 1758, and then separately issued in 1760 under the title of Father Abraham's Speech. It was translated into French in 1777 as La Science du Bonhomme Richard, and it was as popular in France as in America. As the first U.S. Ambassador to France, from 1778 to 1785, Franklin promoted the newly formed republic, convincing the French that financial contributions in support of American independence would be a good investment. According to Stacy Schiff A Great Impression: Franklin, France and the Birth of America, New York, 2005. Franklin hosted a lavish dinner and ball in Paris on July 5th, 1779 to celebrate Independence Day. A copy of this book was given to each guest as a party favour.
Price: $600.00