Ben Franklin’s Wit & Wisdom is a delightful little volume published c1960 by the Peter Pauper Press of Mount Vernon, New York. The introduction explains that the “wise sayings which follow come from many different numbers of Ben Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack. Of course not all the sayings here are original with old Ben, for he included in Poor Richard, along with his own, proverbs copied or adapted from other collections – but he usually gave them a flavor of his own.” And, indeed, pithy proverbs abound in this brief volume! From “Those who in Quarrels interpose, Must often wipe a bloody Nose” to “A good Wife lost, is God’s gift lost,” all give one pause to thought.The volume is illustrated with woodcuts adapted from the crude cuts of Joseph Crawhall.
You may view this book [and many others!] by visiting Special Collections on the second floor [north] of the Glenn G. Bartle Library and asking for PS 749.A6 1960
Peter Pauper Press, founded in 1928, is beginning its eighth decade as one of America’s leading publishers of fine books, references, guides, journals, stationery and cards. The Press publishes approximately 100 books and ancillary products per year. Read about their company history here.
Back cover of Ben Franklin’s Wit & Wisdom