Burr

by Gore Vidal 

Limited edition by the Franklin Library, signed by Gore Vidal (1925-2012) on the front flyleaf. A work of historical fiction, it tells the story of early 19th C America through the eyes of the 3rd US Vice President, serving under President Thomas Jefferson. Written about Aaron Burr (1756-1836), it offers a different perspective of the "American founding-fathers," presenting Burr as a noble anti-hero and highlighting darker aspects of other notables. Vidal notes that he tried to keep to the known facts, where and how he deviates from them, and that he found additional inspiration for characterization and dialog from historical record and personal documents in the afterword. Includes a listing of Vidal's works as well as a message from him to the subscribers written for this edition. 524 pages. 5.75" by 8.75". 

Published by Franklin Library. Philadelphia, PA. 1979. 

Hardback is overall in NEAR FINE condition.

• Leather covers feature ornate gilt decoration and are in excellent condition. 
• Square spine has four raised bands with bright gilt lettering and ornamentation.
• Binding is tight.
• Silk voile endpapers are clean and fully intact with varied fading along the perimeters. Please see photos.
• Illustrations are clean and vibrant. 
• Inside pages are free of writing and intentional marks.
• All edges gilt.
• Gilt at head of text block is exhibits about 1" of scuffing. Please see photos. 
• Includes grey placement ribbon. 
• Book may exhibit additional minor signs of age or wear.
• JS20170917
  

Franklin Library, the distribution arm of the Franklin Press, began publishing in 1973 and closed permanently in 2000. Franklin books were designed and bound by the Sloves Organization, an affiliate of the Franklin Mint, and one of the few binderies that focused solely on leather book binding. Franklin published in three styles: full genuine leather, imitation leather, and quarter-bound genuine leather. Full leather-bound editions were produced throughout the publisher's lifespan; but the other two styles -- imitation and quarter-bound -- were only published in the 1970s and '80s. In addition to their unique leather bindings, Franklin books are known for their interior illustrations.

First Edition Identification

First copies as well as signed first copies published by Franklin Library are "limited" to an unstated number of copies. Franklin Library did not produce reprints. Standard works have no indication of printings within an edition: all printings of the first edition carry the same identification; only second printings with changed or added material are indicated. [Biblio]

AS IS! Please see photos. More photos available upon request.

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