![[FRANKLIN, Benjamin]. M.T. Cicero's Cato Major, or Discourse on Old Age...With Explanatory Notes by Benj. Franklin, L.L.D. London: Fielding & Walker, 1778. 8vo (8¼ x 5¼ in). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Franklin, seated in a library, pen in one hand, papers in the other. (Faint off-setting, very minor foxing). Modern quarter russet morocco and marbled boards, gilt spine.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2011/NYR/2011_NYR_02514_0166_000(franklin_benjamin_mt_ciceros_cato_major_or_discourse_on_old_agewith_ex094146).jpg?w=1)
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[FRANKLIN, Benjamin]. M.T. Cicero's Cato Major, or Discourse on Old Age...With Explanatory Notes by Benj. Franklin, L.L.D. London: Fielding & Walker, 1778. 8vo (8¼ x 5¼ in). Engraved frontispiece portrait of Franklin, seated in a library, pen in one hand, papers in the other. (Faint off-setting, very minor foxing). Modern quarter russet morocco and marbled boards, gilt spine.
WHOSE CATO? The translation and notes, of course, are by the eminent Philadelphian James Logan (1674-1751), published by Franklin in Philadelphia in 1744. As Miller notes, Logan was disappointed that his work found little favor (and lackluster sales), especially in England. In time, several pirated versions were issued: one in London in 1750, another in Glasgow the following year. In the present edition, "Logan's name was dropped, the engraved frontispiece carried a portrait of Franklin...and BF's preface was carefully pruned to make it appear he had done the translation" and the explanatory notes. See Miller 347. [With] [FRANKLIN.] M. T. CICERO. Cato Major; or a Discourse on Old Age... With explanatory notes, by Benjamin Franklin L.L.D. Philadelphia: W. Duane, 1809. 8vo. Original blue wrappers, printed paper label on front cover, stitched, uncut (wrapper chipped and loose). Together 2 items. (2)
WHOSE CATO? The translation and notes, of course, are by the eminent Philadelphian James Logan (1674-1751), published by Franklin in Philadelphia in 1744. As Miller notes, Logan was disappointed that his work found little favor (and lackluster sales), especially in England. In time, several pirated versions were issued: one in London in 1750, another in Glasgow the following year. In the present edition, "Logan's name was dropped, the engraved frontispiece carried a portrait of Franklin...and BF's preface was carefully pruned to make it appear he had done the translation" and the explanatory notes. See Miller 347. [With] [FRANKLIN.] M. T. CICERO. Cato Major; or a Discourse on Old Age... With explanatory notes, by Benjamin Franklin L.L.D. Philadelphia: W. Duane, 1809. 8vo. Original blue wrappers, printed paper label on front cover, stitched, uncut (wrapper chipped and loose). Together 2 items. (2)