Premium Easton Press Collection

2-Volume Deluxe Genuine Leather Lot — Foundational Early Americana

This beautifully paired collector's lot features two monumental pillars of American Revolutionary-era thought and political philosophy. Representing the pinnacle of classic luxury bookbinding, both volumes are masterfully crafted by Easton Press with hubbed spines, ornate 22kt gold gilt detailing, shimmering moire fabric endpapers, all page edges gilt, and a satin ribbon page marker sewn directly into the binding.

1. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

• Format & Binding: 6 3/4 x 10 1/8 inches tall. Handsome brown genuine leather with elegant geometric gilt decoration to the covers, four prominent raised bands, and bright gilt lettering to the spine. Features radiant orange moire endpapers, all page edges gilt, and a classic sewn-in ribbon marker.
• Art & Text: Richly decorated with the celebrated, historically rich illustrations and character drawings of noted artist William Sharp.
• Significance: Written by Benjamin Franklin—one of the most versatile and influential Founding Fathers, scientists, and diplomats in American history—this classic text stands as a foundational monument of American literature and the definitive model for the modern memoir. Spanning his early life as a printer's apprentice to his rise as a leading civic force, the work captures Franklin's celebrated pragmatism, humor, and self-improvement ethos.
• Condition: Near Fine (NF); tight, unread binding, and completely unmarked.

2. Rights of Man — Thomas Paine

• Format & Binding: Oversized 8 5/8 x 11 1/2 inches tall. Majestic deep blue genuine leather with opulent gilt decoration to the covers, four heavy raised bands, and sharp gilt lettering to the spine. Features matching orange moire endpapers, all page edges gilt, and a satin ribbon page marker sewn in.
• Art & Text: Heavily elevated by the powerful, dramatic, and highly textured illustrations of legendary American wood-engraver and graphic artist Lynd Ward.
• Significance: Published in 1791 as a blistering defense of the French Revolution, Thomas Paine's political masterpiece remains an immortal, revolutionary text in the development of Western democracy and human rights philosophy. Paine, whose political pamphlets directly ignited the flame of American independence, passionately argues that popular revolution is fully justified when a government fails to safeguard the natural rights of its citizens.
• Condition: Near Fine (NF); pristine, brilliant gilding, and exceptional shelf presence.

Books are carefully packed and padded in heavy-duty boxes to ensure safe transit to your collection.