Földvári Books

Extremely Rare Italian Translation of Franklin’s Pennsylvania Stove Treatise

Franklin, Benjamin; [Graziosi, Antonio]

Descrizione della stufa di Pensilvania inventata dal signor Franklin americano. […].

In Venezia [Venice]: Nella Stamperia Graziosi a S. Appolinare, MDCCLXXXVIII [1788]. Printer's ornament on the title page; tailpiece. Large paper copy. In later Italian-style paste paper binding with decorative patterns. [6] 7–38 [4 (bookseller's advertisements)] [2 (blank)] p. and an engraved folding plate with several figures. Signatures: A–B⁸ (A1 verso blank) C⁶ (C6 blank). The title page has a restored closed tear at the upper outer margin, with light stains and foxing. Contemporary ownership inscription (Giuseppe Benignetti) on the title page. Interior is clean, with a firm and well-preserved text block. Overall in fine condition.

Italian translation of Franklin’s treatise An Account of the New Invented Pennsylvanian Fire-Places, originally published in 1744 in Philadelphia.

Translated by Antonio Graziosi, this pamphlet details Benjamin Franklin's invention of the Pennsylvania stove, a revolutionary heating device designed to efficiently warm rooms with minimal wood consumption. Franklin's stove gained fame in both America and Europe, particularly in Italy. In 1767, Franklin assisted Filippo Mazzei, an Italian physician and close friend, in procuring the first authentic Franklin stove for the Grand Duke of Tuscany in Florence. Its success led to installations in Venice, Milan, and other cities across Italy. The pamphlet is dedicated by Graziosi to the Venetian nobleman Daniel Dolfin, who also played a key role in introducing the stove to Italy, where it became widely popular.

First printed in English in 1744, Franklin’s pamphlet aimed at promoting the stove's practical benefits. This work occupies a unique place in Franklin’s oeuvre, being one of the rare instances where Franklin focused on a practical invention. Unlike his better-known writings on electricity and philosophy, this work addresses engineering and its immediate application. Franklin’s stove exemplifies his commitment to practical innovation aimed at improving daily life—an overarching theme in his contributions to various fields. The Italian edition first appeared in 1778, with subsequent reprints in 1788, and 1791, reflecting its enduring relevance.

Extremely scarce. RBH has recorded the sale of only two copies of this edition in the last one hundred years, with no records of earlier editions being sold. WorldCat locates only one copy of this edition (The Cicognara Library copy) and another of the earlier edition. The JCB Library holds an incomplete copy of the present edition.

Ref.: Not in Sabin, Ford, P.L. The Works of Benjamin Franklin, 42 (Venice, 1778 ed.), Pace, A. Benjamin Franklin and Italy, p. 417 (Venice, 1778 ed.)

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Price: €4,000.00