The Writings and Works of Benjamin Franklin. Containing Several Political and Historical Tracts Not Included in Any Former Edition, and Many Letters Official and Private Not Hitherto Published; with Notes and a Life of the Author.

FRANKLIN, Benjamin; Jared Sparks.

Item Number: 61020

Boston: Hilliard Gray, and Company, 1840.

Octavo, 10 volumes. Bound in contemporary calf over marbled boards, gilt titles and tooling to the spines, all edges marbled, marbled endpapers, illustrated. In near fine condition with some light toning and wear to the extremities and light foxing. An exceptional set, uncommon in this condition.

Benjamin Franklin earned the title of "The First American" for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity, initially as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies. As the first United States Ambassador to France, he exemplified the emerging American nation. Franklin was foundational in defining the American ethos as a marriage of the practical values of thrift, hard work, education, community spirit, self-governing institutions, and opposition to authoritarianism both political and religious, with the scientific and tolerant values of the Enlightenment. In the words of historian Henry Steele Commager, "In a Franklin could be merged the virtues of Puritanism without its defects, the illumination of the Enlightenment without its heat." To Walter Isaacson, this makes Franklin "the most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become."