3 parts in one, folio (276 x 178 mm). (Some scattered stains, a few leaves toned, marginal soiling, large tear to R2 affecting letters in the second paragraph, portion of tear transferred to R1v.) Contemporary paneled calf, spine in 6 compartments with five raised bands, red morocco lettering-piece gilt in 2nd (lacking front board, front free endpaper detached, rubbing to extremes).

FIRST EDITION OF AN IMPORTANT FRANKLIN PRINTING OF THE LAWS OF COLONIAL PENNSYLVANIA. Benjamin Franklin began his printing career as an apprentice to his older brother, James, at the age of 12. Three years after Benjamin began his apprenticeship, James founded the New England Courant - the second newspaper established in North America. The paper was famously liberal, publishing numerous letters and cartoons poking fun at the colonial government, and was the first publisher of Benjamin's Silence Dogood letters. One of these humorous pieces, however, landed James in jail, during which time Benjamin perfected his craft as a printer. In 1726, the Courant folded, and Benjamin struck out on his own, determined to establish his own printing business. In 1730, he was appointed official printer of Pennsylvania.

The present work was printed in order to properly codify all existing laws in the colony of Pennsylvania at the time. Following a thorough review and revision of the laws by Attorney General of Pennsylvania John Kinsey, Esq. in 1741, Franklin set to work on organizing the type. Although the title page of the present volume lists the publication date as 1742, it was not completed and made available to the public until the following year. Evans 5033; Hildeburn 755a-c; Miller, pp.288-289.

PROVENANCE:
John Steward; Josiah Williams (ownership inscription on front free endpaper, dated 1776); John Steward (ownership signature above)