Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces

1779. FRANKLIN, Benjamin. Political, Miscellaneous, and Philosophical Pieces. Engraved portrait frontispiece, 3 engraved plates (1 folding), folding table. xi, [1], 565, [1], [8]pp. 8vo. London: J. Johnson, 1779. First edition. Contemporary tree calf, rebacked, red morocco lettering piece. Minor foxing. Howes F330; Sabin 25565; ESTC T58635; Ford 342; Adams, American Controversy 79- 38b; Reese, Revolutionary Hundred 56. "First edition of a noted selection of Franklin's essays published in London during the American Revolution, edited by his close friend Benjamin Vaughan. This is the 'only edition of Franklin's writings (other than his scientific), which was printed during his life time; [and] was done with Franklin's knowledge and consent and contains an 'errata' made by him for it' (Ford). Franklin was serving as American ambassador in Paris at the time these essays were published in the enemy capital. Many of the pieces published here relate to the Revolution, including the transcript of Franklin's famous appearance before Parliament in 1766 in which he argued successfully for the repeal of the Stamp Act. Also present here is the culmination of his sagacious Poor Richard advice, his The Way to Wealth. And although the compilation is predominantly political or social essays, the collected work also includes his paper on the effectiveness of lightning rods" (Reese, Revolutionary Hundred).