Benjamin Franklin | The work that led to the establishment of the University of Pennsylvania

Benjamin Franklin

Proposals Relating to the Education of Youth. Philadelphia: [by Franklin and Hall], in the year, M.DCC.XLIX (1749)

8vo (194 x 115 mm). Woodcut vignette to title-page; some foxing, browning, and offsetting, dampstaining to final few leaves, repair to upper corner of D3. Full antique brown calf. Covers decoratively paneled and ruled in blind and gilt. Housed in custom slipcase and folding chemise.

First edition of the work that led to the establishment of the University of Pennsylvania.

"It has long been regretted as a Misfortune to the Youth of this Province, that we have no ACADEMY, in which they might receive the Accomplishments of a regular Education" (Advertisement to the Reader).

By 1740, Franklin was satisfied with his life in Pennsylvania; however, he regretted that no provision was made “for a compleat Education of Youth.” In 1743, he drafted a proposal for establishing an academy, and discussed his plan with the Rev. Richard Peters, whom he believed would be an appropriate leader for such an institution. Peters declined, and Franklin temporarily abandoned his plans. In 1749, Franklin revived his scheme, and gave notice of his project by reprinting Pliny’s letter on education in The Pennsylvania Gazette (24 August 1749).

After raising the necessary capital, a board of twenty-four trustees was organized, and in November of 1749 Franklin was elected President of the new Academy. In 1753 it was incorporated, and in 1754 it was authorized to grant degrees. William Smith, author of the work which led to the establishment of King's College in New York, came to Philadelphia to join the new institution and, when it later became the University of Pennsylvania, became its first Provost.

Rare—our records locate only two other copies at auction in the last century.

REFERENCES

Miller 470; ESTC W6822; Evans 6321; Hildeburn 1129

PROVENANCE

Jo. Parker (signature on title-page)