![[FRANKLIN, Benjamin.] AMES, Nathaniel. An Astronomical Diary; or Almanack, for the Year of Our Lord Christ 1771... Boston: Printed [by William M'Alpine] [1770]. 12mo (6 7/8 x 4in.), 24 pp., original self-wrappers (small triangular loss on lower inner margin affecting a few characters; restitched, toning). In a custom morocco folding case.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2011/NYR/2011_NYR_02514_0159_000(franklin_benjamin_ames_nathaniel_an_astronomical_diary_or_almanack_for080722).jpg?w=1)
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[FRANKLIN, Benjamin.] AMES, Nathaniel. An Astronomical Diary; or Almanack, for the Year of Our Lord Christ 1771... Boston: Printed [by William M'Alpine] [1770]. 12mo (6 7/8 x 4in.), 24 pp., original self-wrappers (small triangular loss on lower inner margin affecting a few characters; restitched, toning). In a custom morocco folding case.
THE FIRST APPEARANCE IN PRINT OF FRANKLIN'S MOCK EPITAPH, composed when he was 22 years old in 1728. Ames provides the humorless introduction: "Mr. Franklin's Epitaph on himself curious for conveying such solemn ideas in the Stile of his Occupation": "The Body of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Printer, Like the Covering of an Old Book Its contents torn out And stript of its Lettering and Gilding, Lies here, Food for Worms; But the Work shall not be lost, It will (as he believ'd) appear once more In a new and more beautiful Edition Corrected and amended By the Author He was born January 6th 1706 and died...............17 .
Twenty years later when death finally came at age 84, Franklin opted for the simpler and less whimsical: "Franklin, Deborah and Benjamin, 1790." Drake 3197. Evans 11548. [With:] FRANKLIN. The Life of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Written by Himself. Salem: Cushing and Carlton, 1796. 12mo (6 5/8 x 3¾in.), original quarter calf marbled boards (corners rubbed, slight foxing, lacking front free endpaper). Provenance: David Remick (signature and note on rear pastedown); New Hampshire Historical Society (bookplate). The first edition of Franklin's Autobiography to appear in Massachusetts. Ford 291; Howes F323. Together 2 items. (2)
THE FIRST APPEARANCE IN PRINT OF FRANKLIN'S MOCK EPITAPH, composed when he was 22 years old in 1728. Ames provides the humorless introduction: "Mr. Franklin's Epitaph on himself curious for conveying such solemn ideas in the Stile of his Occupation": "The Body of BENJAMIN FRANKLIN Printer, Like the Covering of an Old Book Its contents torn out And stript of its Lettering and Gilding, Lies here, Food for Worms; But the Work shall not be lost, It will (as he believ'd) appear once more In a new and more beautiful Edition Corrected and amended By the Author He was born January 6th 1706 and died...............17 .
Twenty years later when death finally came at age 84, Franklin opted for the simpler and less whimsical: "Franklin, Deborah and Benjamin, 1790." Drake 3197. Evans 11548. [With:] FRANKLIN. The Life of Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Written by Himself. Salem: Cushing and Carlton, 1796. 12mo (6 5/8 x 3¾in.), original quarter calf marbled boards (corners rubbed, slight foxing, lacking front free endpaper). Provenance: David Remick (signature and note on rear pastedown); New Hampshire Historical Society (bookplate). The first edition of Franklin's Autobiography to appear in Massachusetts. Ford 291; Howes F323. Together 2 items. (2)