octavo,viii, [1] - 159, [1], bound in later full calf, now dry and worn, with some spine repairs, surface of leather abraded, and pitted. Rear free endpaper lacking, some light scattered foxing and minor soiling to a few leaves, text generally quite clean, very good unsophisticated copy. This copy measures 7 ¾ x 5 inches. A nice example of Franklin's finest piece of printing. With the ownership signature of Ann Jones October 24, 1786," on front pastedown. Housed in a recent ¼ calf clamshell box.

First edition, corrected state of page 27 with the word "only" in the fifth line spelled correctly. This book is generally described, and rightly so, as one of the finest pieces of printing done in the Colonies, and has even been spoken of as the first American "fine press" book. Franklin's preface is often quoted: "... I have, Gentle Reader, as thou seest, printed this Piece of Cicero's in a large and fair Character, that those who begin to think on the Subject of Old-Age, (which seldom happens till their Sight is somewhat impair'd by its Approaches) may not, in Reading, by the Pain small Letters give the Eyes, feel the Pleasure of the Mind in the least allayed."

The translation was made by James Logan for the use of a friend some ten years before it was printed. Franklin became acquainted with the work in manuscript and prevailed upon Logan to publish it, and Franklin writes in his preface: "as I believed it to be in itself equal at least, if not far preferable to any other Translation of the same Piece extant in our Language, besides the Advantage it has of so many valuable Notes, which at the same time they clear up the Text, are highly instructive and entertaining; I resolved to give it an Impression."   

Church 949; Evans 5361; Miller 347; Sabin 13040; Streeter Sale 7:4162