M. T. Cicero's Cato Major, or His Discourse of Old-Age: With Explanatory Notes

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M. T. Cicero's Cato Major, or His Discourse of Old-Age: With Explanatory Notes

Publisher Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia, 1744

Printer Benjamin Franklin, Philadelphia

Author Marcus Tullius Cicero Roman, 106-43 BCE

Place of OriginUnited States (Philadelphia)

Date1744

Dimensionsbook: 8 x 5 5/8 in. (203 x 143mm)
page: 7 3/4 x 5 1/4 in. (197 x 133mm)

Mediumprinted book

ClassificationBooks

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number

1923.47

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Label TextBenjamin Franklin started his illustrious career as a printer. After an apprenticeship in London, in 1730, Franklin established his own printing establishment in Philadelphia. By 1750, his business was so successful that Franklin could "retire" from active daily work in printing and publishing and instead turn his talents to politics, world diplomacy, and science. Franklin's best volume is Cicero's CATO MAJOR, printed in a Caslon type he had imported. While not exemplary in the art of fine printing (experts regard it as a more workman-like job), it is of major historical interest, in part because the translation was made by Chief Justice of the State of Pennsylvania. In his forword "Printer to the Reader." Franklin concludes: "... my hearty wish that this first translation of a Classic in this Western World, may be followed with many others, performed with equal Judgment and Success; and be a happy Omen that Philadelphia shall become the seat of the American muses"