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Early report of the death of Ben Franklin, from a hometown magazine...



Item # 652295

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THE MASSACHUSETTS MAGAZINE, Boston, April, 1790  

* Benjamin Franklin death (1st report)
* Early report from his hometown


Eighteenth century American magazines are increasingly scarce in today's market. This title was published  by the famed Isaiah Thomas, the patriot printer from the Revolutionary War & founder of the American Antiquarian Society.
Certainly the most notable report in this issue is the death of the revered Ben Franklin. At the back of the issue, in "The Gazette" section, is a report that: "On the 17th of April, departed this life, at Philadelphia, the venerable & celebrated Philosopher and Patriot, His Excellency Benjamin Franklin..." with some particulars on the funeral procession (see). This is a very early report, as most accounts of Franklin's death were in the May issue of monthly magazines. Remember that Boston was Franklin's hometown.
There is a wealth of other much less significant articles within, including: "Manners & Character of the Inhabitants of Syria" "On the Equality of the Sexes" concluded from a previous issue; "On the Death of Persons who are Struck with Lightning" which is a letter from Ben Franklin to M. Dubourg. Much more as well.
Included is the full page plate titled: "Adelaide, or the Lovely Rustick" (see)
  Complete in 64 pages, 5 by 8 1/4 inches, scatterd foxing, otherwise in nice condition.

Category: American