"Writings", by Benjamin Franklin, edited by J. A. Leo Lemay published by Library of America, 1987 Stated First Edition, First Printing.

Hard boards, full cloth cover [a little soiling, slightly bumped upper edge of the front board], 5" x 8.1/4"; decorated endpapers, 1605 pages including Index; printed on acid-free paper; Smyth-sewn binding, a ribbon marker. Very good/ fine condition.

Depicting Franklin as a controversial figure in his own time, this volume includes political, economic, and social pieces, scientific articles, opinions on education and religion, propaganda exercises drawn from "Silence Dogwood," writings from the "Pennsylvania Gazette," and "Poor Richard's Almanack," and letters, authoritative versions of Franklin's best-known writings (e.g., The Autobiography ), as well as 57 new attributions. Also included are all prefaces and maxims from the full run of Poor Richard's Almanack, plus a generous and prudent selection of other writings, both personal and public. The material is arranged by the eras of Franklin's long life.

The Library of America should be commended for preserving the works of Benjamin Franklin. This is the finest compilation of Franklin's writings still in print.

The book is organized and presented in chronological order. The first section contains Franklin's writings between 1722-1726. This section contains the famous "Silence Dogood" works. The second section consists of writings between 1726-1757. This section contains the "Busy Body" pieces and the writings from the Philadelphia Gazette, amongst other works. The third section consists of writings which date between 1757-1775. The fourth section consists of writings between 1776-1785. The fifth section consists of writings between 1785-1790. And the final two sections are "Poor Richard's Almanack" and "The Autobiography."

Moreover, the sections contain personal letters between Franklin and other notable men such as David Hume, Lord Kames, John Pringle, Benjamin Rush, etc. Also, religious writings, philosophy, political writings and the like are present in this single volume. In fact, there is about 1500 pages of just Franklin's writings. Additionally, in the back of the book, there is a very detailed chronology of Franklin's life describing notable things which occurred between his birth and death.

This is a great text for those who are wanting a very detailed volume of Franklin's writings. However, it is also a great compilation for those who simply want to sit down and get a sample of the works of Franklin to find out what type of man he was, what he believed, what he taught, his sense of humor and the like.

"This book has been one of the best investments that I have made in my collection of American Revolutionary (Founders) history." Lemay's erudite notes, an excellent index, and the volume's acid-free paper all attest to admirable publishing standards. For most libraries." [Sally Linden, Wellesley Coll. Lib., Mass.]

US: Priority (c 2-4 days) ----------- $12.50
Canada: Priority (c 2-6 weeks) -- $32.50
World: Priority (c 2-8 weeks) --- $45.50