The Papers of Benjamin Franklin for Volumes 41-45

FAIN: RQ-50598-11

Yale University (New Haven, CT 06510-1703)
Ellen R. Cohn (Project Director: November 2010 to November 2014)

Preparation for publication of Volumes 41-45 of the Papers of Benjamin Franklin. (36 months)

The Papers of Benjamin Franklin is a long-term collaborative project to produce a comprehensive, annotated edition of the papers and writings of one of the nation's most illustrious writers, printers, scientists, statesmen, and founders. It has published 39 volumes, and Volume 40 is in press. Based on an archive of 30,000 photocopies of manuscripts gathered from around the world and housed at Yale University, the edition presents Franklin's thought and activities in the context of the 18th century American and European Enlightenment. The volumes now underway document the negotiation of the 1783 Treaty of Paris granting American independence, the negotiations for America's first commercial treaties with various European nations, Franklin's multi-faceted campaign to publicize American democratic ideals, and his re-engagement with science as his diplomatic duties in France recede. This proposal requests support for editorial work on volumes 41 through 45.

Associated Products

The Papers of Benjamin Franklin: Volume 41, September 16, 1783, through February 29, 1784 (Book)
Title: The Papers of Benjamin Franklin: Volume 41, September 16, 1783, through February 29, 1784
Author: Benjamin Franklin
Editor: Michael Sletcher, Assistant Editor
Editor: Ellen R. Cohn, Editor
Editor: Jonathan R. Dull, Senior Associate Editor
Editor: Robert P. Frankel, Jr., Associate Editor
Editor: Kate M. Ohno, Associate Editor
Editor: Philipp Zieschke, Associate Editor
Editor: Alicia K. Anderson, Assistant Editor
Editor: Allegra Di Bonaventura, Assistant Editor
Editor: Alysia M. Cain, Assistant Editor
Editor: Adrina M. Garbooshian, Assistant Editor
Abstract: After the signing of the definitive peace treaty on September 3, 1783, Franklin’s official duties as minister plenipotentiary diminished. Great Britain refused to negotiate a commercial agreement, and Congress failed to act on the draft treaties of commerce with Denmark and Portugal that Franklin had sent them the previous summer. In the six months after the peace was settled, Franklin’s sole diplomatic achievement was a draft consular convention with France. With his welcome leisure time, however, Franklin eagerly followed scientific developments (witnessing the first balloon ascensions in Paris), advised the French government on schemes for civic improvement, and wrote three of his most remarkable pieces about what it meant to be American.
Year: 2014
Primary URL: http://www.worldcat.org/title/papers-of-benjamin-franklin-volume-41-september-16-1783-through-february-29-1784/oclc/880193254&referer=brief_results
Primary URL Description: WorldCat listing
Secondary URL: http://yalepress.yale.edu/yupbooks/book.asp?isbn=9780300203745
Secondary URL Description: Publisher's listing
Access Model: Book
Publisher: Yale University Press
Type: Scholarly Edition
ISBN: 9780300203745
Copy sent to NEH?: Yes

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