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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549

                                        


                                    FORM 8-K
                                        
                                 CURRENT REPORT
                                        

    Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

    Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  OCTOBER 16, 1997




                             BANKBOSTON CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


MASSACHUSETTS                       1-6522               04-2471221
(State or other jurisdiction        (Commission          (IRS Employer
  of incorporation)                 File Number)         Identification No.)
 

100 FEDERAL STREET, BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS                       02110
(Address of principal executive offices)                      (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code:  (617) 434-2200



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ITEM 5.  OTHER EVENTS.
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    On October 16, 1997, BankBoston Corporation (the Corporation) issued a press
release announcing its earnings for the quarter ended September 30, 1997.  The
financial information that is included herewith as Exhibit 99(a) was included in
the Corporation's press release and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 7.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
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(c) Exhibits.

99(a)   Financial information included in the Corporation's Press Release dated
October 16, 1997.

 
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                                   SIGNATURES
                                        


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.



                             BANKBOSTON CORPORATION



Dated:  October 17, 1997       /s/ Robert T. Jefferson
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                              Robert T. Jefferson
                              Comptroller