Thomas Prince, et al. | One of the first books Franklin had a hand in printing

Thomas Prince, et al. 

A Sermon Delivered By Thomas Prince, M.A. on Wensday [sic], October 1, 1718. At His Ordination, to the Pastoral Charge of the South Church in Boston, N.E. in Conjunction with the Reverend Mr. Joseph Sewall. Together with The Charge by the Reverend Increase Mather, D.D. and a Copy of what was said at giving the Right Hand of Fellowship: By the Reverend Cotton Mather, D.D. To which is added, A Discourse of the Validity of Ordination by the Hands of Presbyters, Previous to Mr. Sewall's on September 16, 1773. By the Late Reverend and Learned Mr. Ebenezer Pemberton, Pastor of the same Church. Boston: Printed by J. Franklin for S. Gerrish, and Sold at his Shop near the Old Meeting House, 1718

8vo (180 x 108 mm). Ornamental head- and tail-pieces and initials, separate section title for "Discourse," edges largely untrimmed; title browned, leaves lightly toned, a few stray spots and stains, top margin trimmed close and just shaved with loss to top rule, edges chipped and with some wear, repairs to margins of "Discourse." Modern three-quarter blue morocco over linen boards, spine gilt-lettered; boards bowed, a few small scuffs at extremities.

First edition of one of the first books Benjamin Franklin had a hand in printing.

At the time of this volume's publication, Benjamin Franklin was aged 12 and starting his multiyear term as an apprentice to his brother James, a Boston printer. In 1718, James Franklin issued only two imprints (with no priority known). While a 1946 Goodspeed catalogue boldly claimed that Benjamin himself set the type for the edition, there is consensus that this is either the first or second book that Benjamin was involved with producing.

REFERENCES

Evans 1996; Sabin 65613

PROVENANCE

Freeman's, 10 September 2024, lot 11