Franklin, Benjamin | The earliest published map of the Gulf Stream

Franklin, Benjamin

Philosophical and Miscellaneous Papers. London: Printed for C. Dilly, 1787

8vo (210 x 127 mm). 4 folding plates, including a folding chart of the Gulf Stream; folds of plate opposite p. 95 strengthened, early tape repair to top of title-page. Contemporary tree calf, gilt Greek key border, smooth spine decorated with gilt urns filled with flowers, red morocco lettering piece; a few old tears to front cover.

First edition. Fine selection of Franklin’s writings with essays on North America, his invention of a stove as well as on criminal law and privateering. It also includes the earliest published map of the Gulf Stream. Intended by the publisher as a companion volume to the Experiments and Observations on Electricity (1769) and his Political, Miscellaneous and Philosophical Pieces (1779); a second volume was planned but never published.

PROVENANCE

A. J. Christie (inscription on title-page dated Nov. 23, 1787) — Jonathan Hervey Christie, Bailliol College, Oxford (contemporary inscriptions on front free endpaper) — Daniel Conner (armorial bookplate) 

REFERENCE

ESTC T59394; Ford 380; Howes B328; Norman 834; Sabin 25562