Rare Book Monthly
Book Catalogue Reviews - August - 2007 Issue
Books About Books, with History and Travel, from Oak Knoll
none
Item 132 is a Historical Review of the Constitution and Government of Pennsylvania, published in London in 1759. Scholars have generally attributed this work to Benjamin Franklin, as he was the only person in London who would likely have had the knowledge or interest in writing this book. However, in a letter, Franklin denied being its author. Oak Knoll believes the explanation is that it was written by Franklin's co-agent in London, Richard Jackson, with lots of help from Franklin. $1,500.
Item 261 is The All-Embracing Doctor Franklin, by the all-embracing "Doctor" himself, Dr. A.S.W. Rosenbach. The great 20th century bookseller was also an expert on Franklin, and wrote this book about the more risqué side of his fellow Philadelphian. It was published in a limited edition of just 198 copies in 1932. This copy includes a 1941 letter from a London wine merchant to the "Doctor's" brother, Philip Rosenbach, saying he can no longer supply wine, but whiskey is available. Such were the horrors of war. $225.
Item 196 is a biography, Stanley Marcus, A Life with Books. David Farmer writes of Marcus' book collecting in this 1993 work, though Stanley Marcus is better known for his years at the helm of upscale retailer Nieman-Marcus. $150.
Oak Knoll Books is found at www.oakknoll.com, telephone 302-328-7232.
