The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Benjamin Franklin

Jan 1895 · H. Altemus

About this ebook

Charming self-portrait covers boyhood, work as a printer, political career, scientific experiments, much more. Its openness, honesty, and readable style have made the "Autobiography" one of the great classics of the genre.

Ratings and reviews

The actual scan provided is of a fairly well-used volume, and for some reason the first 20 pages are cut from the beginning and inserted three-quarters of the way through the book. Odd. Franklin's autobiography is cut into two sections - one that he wrote initially with his papers in front of him, another cobbled together after his friends insisted he continue. The latter portion is rather disjointed - almost like it was transcribed and immediately printed. You can almost hear the stream-of-consciousness in Ben's voice through the narration. There are very interesting facets to the book however - such as Ben's optimal daily routine and how he managed to convince people to participate in social service. The book is almost a predecessor to "How to Win Friends and Influence People." Interesting read, especially if you want to see an original hacker & start-up founder.

A few interesting parts describing historical period, but mostly very boring and disjointed. Too many footnotes confused the narrative flow.

This is a must read!!! I could not read it fast enough. Sad it didn't cover more of his life... Ends in 1756. Should be used in government schools. !~)

About the author

One of 17 children, Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January 17, 1706. He ended his formal education at the age of 10 and began working as an apprentice at a newspaper. Running away to Philadelphia at 17, he worked for a printer, later opening his own print shop. Franklin was a man of many talents and interests. As a writer, he published a colonial newspaper and the well-known Poor Richard's Almanack, which contains his famous maxims. He authored many political and economic works, such as The Way To Wealth and Journal of the Negotiations for Peace. He is responsible for many inventions, including the Franklin stove and bifocal eyeglasses. He conducted scientific experiments, proving in one of his most famous ones that lightning and electricity were the same. As a politically active citizen, he helped draft the Declaration of Independence and lobbied for the adoption of the U.S. Constitution. He also served as ambassador to France. He died in April of 1790 at the age of 84.