VERY RARE, TRUE FIRST EDITION, FIRST PRINTING of The Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin (1791, Chez Buisson, Libraire, Paris). 

• Hardback, 8vo.
• In French language.
• In absolutely beautiful modern rebinding of dark gray quarter leather with dark gray cloth boards. 
• 5 raised bands along spine, and gilt debossed lettering and date. 
• Marbled end papers. 
• Previous owner's notes on both sides of initial original end paper. 
• A few faded, faint markings on titlepage. Contains misnumbered final pages (360-63).
• Pages contain typical foxing/yellowing with a few stain spots on outside closed edges of pages which do not bleed onto open pages, but pages crisp and vibrant and in great condition overall otherwise.

Franklin's best known work and a classic of Americana, in which Franklin tells the story of his climb, through thrift and frugality, from poverty to success and influence. It's also one of the best pictures of life in Philadelphia during his youth and middle age. He's remarkably frank thoughout the work about people which whom he was involved and his own movies for his actions. An absolute classic.

The first British edition appeared in 1793, followed by the first American printing in 1794.

**To protect your purchase, signature confirmation may be required on delivery of this item**