One of the stories that I like from his autobiography is when he decides not to drink beer while working as a printer in London and all the other printers in the workshop are mystified why he doesn't make any type setting mistakes in the afternoon like they do.Sadly Franklin's own life story dries up long before the interesting stuff of revolutionary politics, swanning about in Paris pretending to be some-kind of sage from the forest as opposed to coming from one of North Americas largest urban
One of the stories that I like from his autobiography is when he decides not to drink beer while working as a printer in London and all the other printers in the workshop are mystified why he doesn't make any type setting mistakes in the afternoon like they do.Sadly Franklin's own life story dries up long before the interesting stuff of revolutionary politics, swanning about in Paris pretending to be some-kind of sage from the forest as opposed to coming from one of North Americas largest urban centres. Written for his son who was a loyalist, while he himself was a traitor and a member of a rebel alliance, the book is filled with the sense of young Ben's indignance at being apprenticed to his elder brother, running off to Philadelphia, visiting London and eventually establishing his own printing shop and his wonder at coming across an edition of Pilgrim's Progress printed in Dutch which somehow he fails to turn into a money making venture
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Mar 08, 2011
Kendel Christensen rated it
it was amazing Recommends it for: Everyone
Recommended to Kendel by: Julia Shumway
This book, though obviously an unfinished work from Franklin's life, is a gem. Is so open, so unassuming, as to make one forget that we are being tutored by one of the greatest diplomats of all time. It feels like reading a neighbor's personal blog. It is full of words to live by. Such as: "the wisest man will receive lights and improve his progress, by seeing detailed the conduct of another wise man."
(Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, 59-60)
"I made it a Rule to forbear all direct Contradiction
This book, though obviously an unfinished work from Franklin's life, is a gem. Is so open, so unassuming, as to make one forget that we are being tutored by one of the greatest diplomats of all time. It feels like reading a neighbor's personal blog. It is full of words to live by. Such as: "the wisest man will receive lights and improve his progress, by seeing detailed the conduct of another wise man."
(Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, 59-60)
"I made it a Rule to forbear all direct Contradiction to the Sentiments of others, and all positive Assertion of my own. I even forbid myself, agreeable to the old Laws of our Junto, the Use of every Word or Expression in the Language that imported a fix'd Opinion; such as certainly, undoubtedly, etc. and I adopted instead of them, I conceive, I apprehend, or I imagine a thing to be so or so, or it appears to me at present. When another asserted something that I thought an Error, I denied myself the Pleasure of contradicting him abruptly, and of showing immediately some Absurdity in his Proposition; and in answering I began by observing that in certain Cases or Circumstances his Opinion would be right, but that in the present case there *appear'd or seem'd* to me some Difference, etc. I soon found the Advantage of this Change in my Manners. The Conversations I engag'd in went on more pleasantly. The modest way in which I propos'd my Opinions, procur'd them a readier Reception and less Contradition; I had less Mortification when I was found to be in the wrong, and I more easily prevail'd with others to give up their Mistakes and join with me when I happene'd to be in the right. And this Mode, which I at first put on, with some violence to natural Inclination, became at length . . . easy and . . . habitual to me."
(Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, 75)
"I shall never ask, never refuse, nor ever resign an Office."
(Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, 94)
"When Men are employ'd they are best contented."
(Benjamin Franklin, Autobiography, 126)
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Am I the only one who has a hard time enjoying listening to someone who clearly loves himself so dearly go on and on and on about himself? I mean, he wrote like 46 autobiographies. Sure he may have been a genius, but I'd just as soon other people tell me about it. Am I the only one who has a hard time enjoying listening to someone who clearly loves himself so dearly go on and on and on about himself? I mean, he wrote like 46 autobiographies. Sure he may have been a genius, but I'd just as soon other people tell me about it. ...more
This is an interesting look at Benjamin Franklin's life. The first part is his autobiography, which he never finished. It tells mostly of his early life and his beginnings in the printing business. Then there are collections of his letters, scientific writings, and political writing. These are divided by topic, with short explanations from the editor giving general information surrounding those letters or publications. It shows his work as a scientist and inventor, his gradual assent into public This is an interesting look at Benjamin Franklin's life. The first part is his autobiography, which he never finished. It tells mostly of his early life and his beginnings in the printing business. Then there are collections of his letters, scientific writings, and political writing. These are divided by topic, with short explanations from the editor giving general information surrounding those letters or publications. It shows his work as a scientist and inventor, his gradual assent into public life as a statesman and politician, and his personal life as a husband and father and his personal relationships.I found it very interesting and readable, and I loved seeing how meticulous and sensible Franklin was in ordering and organizing his life. He had some excellent ideas and some crazy ideas. He was a person always searching and wondering and puzzling through the mysteries of life. He must have had a terrific amount of energy, since he often writes about diligence and industry. He was a rare personality.
I enjoyed this close look into American history!
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Jun 20, 2020 Glen rated it it was amazing
Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential Americans writes his autobiography, on how he went from rags to riches by hard work and genius.Some other writings too. All of them educational.
Mar 18, 2013 angie rated it really liked it
I don't know why but I get a real kick out of reading Ben Franklin. Not only are you getting opinions and observations straight from the horse's mouth when it comes to the 18th century, you're getting it from an oddly amusing and very pivotal figure in American history. What first appears quite stuffy is actually great entertainment... I don't know why but I get a real kick out of reading Ben Franklin. Not only are you getting opinions and observations straight from the horse's mouth when it comes to the 18th century, you're getting it from an oddly amusing and very pivotal figure in American history. What first appears quite stuffy is actually great entertainment... ...more
Another brilliant Founding Father we were blessed with. Reading this was a revelation to me - I didn't realize really how accomplished B. Franklin actually was, and all his contributions to both the country and to science. A great book authored by a truly great man. Another brilliant Founding Father we were blessed with. Reading this was a revelation to me - I didn't realize really how accomplished B. Franklin actually was, and all his contributions to both the country and to science. A great book authored by a truly great man. ...more
Maybe the review would be higher if I had read it instead of listening to it. Benjamin Franklin was an innovator, hustler and out of the box thinker so maybe audiobook did not keep me as engaged as maybe the book would have. I feel I missed some important points
I am officially giving this 3.5 stars but I will round up for the purposes of this website in deference to the pride of Philadelphia. I skipped the "other writings" so give me an incomplete if you must. My 14 year old daughter and I read this in conjunction. See her review for the definitive opinion on this work. I am officially giving this 3.5 stars but I will round up for the purposes of this website in deference to the pride of Philadelphia. I skipped the "other writings" so give me an incomplete if you must. My 14 year old daughter and I read this in conjunction. See her review for the definitive opinion on this work. ...more
Supposedly, I am a distant descendent of Ben Franklin so when I saw this used book, I picked it up for $1. My thinking was that the autobiographical writings might be of interest since I would be reading what Benjamin, himself, wrote. I wasn't disappointed. Being a writer (among many other things) by profession, he chronicled his life from early boyhood to old age in a letter to his son. This letter was fun and I totally enjoyed it but it only encompassed 181 pages of the book. Other writings fo Supposedly, I am a distant descendent of Ben Franklin so when I saw this used book, I picked it up for $1. My thinking was that the autobiographical writings might be of interest since I would be reading what Benjamin, himself, wrote. I wasn't disappointed. Being a writer (among many other things) by profession, he chronicled his life from early boyhood to old age in a letter to his son. This letter was fun and I totally enjoyed it but it only encompassed 181 pages of the book. Other writings followed, accompanied by short introductions by Lemisch which helped place them in time and importance. Overall, it gives a pretty comprehensive overview of the man - almost all written by Benjamin Franklin in the 18th century.
I had, personally, written Ben Franklin off as a philanderer since the most I knew of him were his latter years where he negotiated a trade agreement with France. His life in France was comfortable, I suppose. But, what I learned of the young man was interesting. There are some similarities in the way I think and the way he thought. Of course, you might say, you can find similarities with anyone, but I think it's significant enough to feel a little kinship.
My favorite parts consist of his list of 13 virtues, some writings from Poor Richard's Almanac, and his comments on religion and faith. In the end, he chose a way to escape an unhappy marriage through living in London and France which may have contributed to a rift between him and his only living son, William. This is the sad part. Even sadder was the unfortunate circumstances his wife, Deborah must have lived and died after his departure.
All in all - a good insight into life in the mid-1700's! ...more
Although I frequently read non-fiction books, this would not be normally be one in which I was interested, but as a book club choice, I gave it a try. The writing is clear and, even with the 18th century spelling and sentence construction, easy to read. Ben Franklin clearly intended to write a full autobiography, since he gives a great deal of detail to his early life including his thoughts on character, religion, and economy. Though he was not schooled for more than 2 years, he read widely, tau Although I frequently read non-fiction books, this would not be normally be one in which I was interested, but as a book club choice, I gave it a try. The writing is clear and, even with the 18th century spelling and sentence construction, easy to read. Ben Franklin clearly intended to write a full autobiography, since he gives a great deal of detail to his early life including his thoughts on character, religion, and economy. Though he was not schooled for more than 2 years, he read widely, taught himself 4 other languages, began a very successful printing business, began a newspaper, wrote frequently on issues he thought needed to be discussed, served many years in the General Assembly for Pennsylvania, organized and helped fund a local militia, began the first lending library in the United States, began a debate society that lasted his lifetime, served as the Postmaster General of the colonies, helped fund and build three forts for defense of the local populace from the Native Americans, discovered electricity, served as envoy to England for the General Assembly, and many, many other things. The real problem with this autobiography is that it ends far too soon, in 1759, before the Revolutionary War, his service in the Second Continental Congress, his service as Ambassador to France, and service as President of Pennsylvania. This was a man who could fairly state that he lived a full and valuable life. ...more
A fascinating read. The autobiography benefits tremendously from being written as a letter to his son, as the conversational tone makes it easy to read and gives you a sense of Ben Franklin as a person. The back half of the book is selected writings of Franklin's on a variety of topics from family life to science to diplomacy.
I'd heartily recommend this. A fascinating read. The autobiography benefits tremendously from being written as a letter to his son, as the conversational tone makes it easy to read and gives you a sense of Ben Franklin as a person. The back half of the book is selected writings of Franklin's on a variety of topics from family life to science to diplomacy.
I'd heartily recommend this. ...more
Ben Franklin was the original irony leftoid
Not big into history but also did not like the format of the book. Felt like one long rambling sentence.
After multiple readings of this book, I have to say that I am coming to agree with DH Lawrence's assessment of Franklin (quite possible the only thing I agree with him about). "I admire him.... I do not like him." Franklin is the quintessential American, getting on in the world, active in affairs, inventing, politicking, organizing, reading, but never really thinking all that much. Oh, he claims his library increased the thinking of Americans. Yes, he wrote many things and connected lightning an After multiple readings of this book, I have to say that I am coming to agree with DH Lawrence's assessment of Franklin (quite possible the only thing I agree with him about). "I admire him.... I do not like him." Franklin is the quintessential American, getting on in the world, active in affairs, inventing, politicking, organizing, reading, but never really thinking all that much. Oh, he claims his library increased the thinking of Americans. Yes, he wrote many things and connected lightning and electricity, but all his achievements only make him the archetype for the American doer. Self-improvement is never to make a better self for Franklin, but to make a better Franklin in the world's eyes. As for his religious views, I will let Lawrence take another shot. Franklin relates his religious principles about one God, who governs the world with his Providence, and who should receive worship and service from men (by doing good to other men), and the immortality of the soul and judgment based on virtue and vice. Lawrence notes the following: "Now if Mr. Andrew Carnegie, or any other millionaire, had wished to invent a God to suit his ends, he could not have done better. Benjamin did it for him in the eighteenth century. God is the supreme servant of men who want to get on, to produce. Providence. The provider. The heavenly store-keeper. The everlasting Wanamaker.
And this is all the God the grandsons of the Pilgrims Fathers had left. Aloft on a pillar of dollars." Puritan fathers would probably be a better comment, but on the whole I agree with Lawrence. For Franklin, the religious means of organizing and motivating society justify religious ends, albeit little ones.
In response to Lawrence's attacks, I will let historian Daniel Walker Howe say something more positive about Franklin and his contemporary, Jonathan Edwards: "Edward's message urged people to let God take over their hearts, and all else would follow. Franklin's message was that God helps those who help themselves." For Howe, both strands of thinking were woven together in 19th century evangelicalism, as many of Franklin's efforts at bettering humanity in the temporal world were taken over by evangelicals who also retained at least some of Edwards' thought. "Thus evangelical piety energized humanitarianism as deism never could - just as Franklin had expected." Franklin could say of his own Deism, quite humorously to my view, "I began to suspect that this Doctrine tho' it might be true, was not very useful."
In the end though it has to be said, it is not Frankin's ideas as much as his actions that influence coming generations. And it is not those actions, but the acclaim he seeks for those actions, that make Franklin seem less than likable. Franklin did not create the idea of self-improvement or of the improvement of society, but he remade them for colonial America. And for that his Autobiography takes endless credit.
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One of the finest autobiographies I have read. If one needs a peek into what American literature sounded actually was in the eighteenth century, this book is a must.
Additionally, reading this biography would strike a fine difference between narrative style of a politician and a philosopher. One realizes upon reading this piece of art that the American English language has undergone innate changes in its composition and that flexibility of placing verbs and nouns has been formalized greatly in En One of the finest autobiographies I have read. If one needs a peek into what American literature sounded actually was in the eighteenth century, this book is a must.
Additionally, reading this biography would strike a fine difference between narrative style of a politician and a philosopher. One realizes upon reading this piece of art that the American English language has undergone innate changes in its composition and that flexibility of placing verbs and nouns has been formalized greatly in English used in the nineteenth century.
Benjamin Franklin's style of writing is in stark contrast to the style of writers who write for the "reader". Benjamin writes himself out in the purest of expressions, without caring for the complexities his complex and forming maze of long sentences, depicting the inner working of mind of a great philosopher.
His emphasis of 13 virtues, should especially be made part of curriculum of all countries in present times, when moral values and ethics are becoming extinct day by day. His story from the childhood has the power to revamp the infrastructure of minds collapsing wholly under the ever-unending race of greed, competition and lack of compassion towards fellow beings.
This book is a must for those researching the advent of political systems and establishment of a finer form of governance that emanated with Republicans & Congress.Benjamin himself being at the forefront of numerous civic & societal innovations, esp taxation, this auto-bio is an excellent read in the manner the democratic institutions have come to operate since their inception. ...more
An interesting dive into the mind of one of America's founders, an industrious man with a great sense of wit and a joyful ability to inspire. From virtues and morals to industry, sailing and politics - one is never bored while reading this book. The only obstacle which could prove difficult for some is the language, as Benjamin writes in a now "old-timey" manner. After a few pages you'll get used to it, though. I recommend this one, for sure. An interesting dive into the mind of one of America's founders, an industrious man with a great sense of wit and a joyful ability to inspire. From virtues and morals to industry, sailing and politics - one is never bored while reading this book. The only obstacle which could prove difficult for some is the language, as Benjamin writes in a now "old-timey" manner. After a few pages you'll get used to it, though. I recommend this one, for sure. ...more
It's hard to believe
he never fucked up. It's hard to believe
he never fucked up. ...more
Franklin had a good life overall and he achieved a lot of things that people back in the day could not even dream of. However, this book felt like one long run on paragraph that never stops and it is not particularly interesting. Someone once said that the reason people are sad/depressed these days is because we have way too many choices to make and the thought of making one mistake that can spiral our life out of control can be hard thing to overcome.
Franklin lived a very modest life and the 1
Franklin had a good life overall and he achieved a lot of things that people back in the day could not even dream of. However, this book felt like one long run on paragraph that never stops and it is not particularly interesting. Someone once said that the reason people are sad/depressed these days is because we have way too many choices to make and the thought of making one mistake that can spiral our life out of control can be hard thing to overcome.
Franklin lived a very modest life and the 13 rules he lived by (outlined below) give an insight on what we should be focusing and not think about too much of things we have no control of. Perhaps these rules would help somebody get an insight on what matters in life and what is important if we lived in more simple times.
1. Temperance. Eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation.
2. Silence. Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself; avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order. Let all your things have their places; let each part of your business have its time.
4. Resolution. Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality. Make no expense but to do good to others or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. Industry. Lose no time; be always employ'd in something useful; cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity. Use no hurtful deceit; think innocently and justly, and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice. Wrong none by doing injuries, or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation. Avoid extremes; forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness. Tolerate no uncleanliness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquillity. Be not disturbed at trifles, or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity. Rarely use venery but for health or offspring, never to dullness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. Humility. Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
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Benjamin Franklin was a brilliant, efficient man.Reading through his virtues and how he tackled them one-by-one and structured out his day in an organized manner leads one to believe that he would accomplish great things with his love of learning and striving to be good. I especially liked his enthusiasm for learning science just for the sake of investigating phenomena. His desire to promote and improve education was admirable. I found it interesting that he thought before learning Latin, Greek Benjamin Franklin was a brilliant, efficient man.Reading through his virtues and how he tackled them one-by-one and structured out his day in an organized manner leads one to believe that he would accomplish great things with his love of learning and striving to be good. I especially liked his enthusiasm for learning science just for the sake of investigating phenomena. His desire to promote and improve education was admirable. I found it interesting that he thought before learning Latin, Greek should be explored, which I had not considered before.Virtues:
1. Temperance: Eat not to dulness. Drink not to elevation.
2. Silence: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself. Avoid trifling conversation.
3. Order: Let all your things have their places. Let each of your business have its time.
4. Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve.
5. Frugality: Make no expence but to do god to other or yourself; i.e., waste nothing.
6. Industry: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary actions.
7. Sincerity: Use no hurtful deceit. Think innocently and justly; and, if you speak, speak accordingly.
8. Justice: Wrong none by doing injuries or omitting the benefits that are your duty.
9. Moderation: Avoid extremes. Forbear resenting injuries so much as you think they deserve.
10. Cleanliness: Tolerate no uncleanness in body, clothes, or habitation.
11. Tranquility: Be not disturbed at trifles or at accidents common or unavoidable.
12. Chastity: Rarely use venery but for health or offspring - never to dulness, weakness, or the injury of your own or another's peace or reputation.
13. Humility: Imitate Jesus and Socrates.
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Mar 09, 2019 Sarah rated it really liked it
This was a much better than expected read. Franklin is my favorite 'founding father,' if for no reason other than he's got a great sense of humor. This is a fairly short work (about 200 pages), and was apparently written in two large chunks, the first half as a letter to his adult son, and the second half as a sort of record written as an elderly adult. I liked the first half better, it had more interesting events and felt less formal. In a history podcast the speaker raised the issue that perha This was a much better than expected read. Franklin is my favorite 'founding father,' if for no reason other than he's got a great sense of humor. This is a fairly short work (about 200 pages), and was apparently written in two large chunks, the first half as a letter to his adult son, and the second half as a sort of record written as an elderly adult. I liked the first half better, it had more interesting events and felt less formal. In a history podcast the speaker raised the issue that perhaps the author of the autobiography was yet another of Franklin's personas. He had so many over his life. Is anyone 100% truthful in their autobiography? Even Franklin admits that pride was the most difficult vice to get rid of - and that even if he succeeded in getting rid of it - he'd be proud that he'd done so. That's the attitude that made this so much fun to read. His autobiography rarely mentions the founding of the US - talks more at length about the Pennsylvania Assembly and dealing with the cheapskate Penn family. He rarely says a direct bad word about anyone, though its clear when he finds someone less than admirable. As the podcast speaker pointed out, Ben Franklin was literally the child true pilgrims, people that left England in search of a place to worship freely. Yet even with that background, he became an agnostic with an insatiable curiosity, and lover of science. Made me think of Sarah Vowell's 'Wordy Shipmates.' wherein she paints a picture of the Pilgrims as well read, well educated, curious people - who just also happened to take religion very seriously too. That dour dogmatic view we have of Pilgrims might not be accurate. ...more
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 1791"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."
A fun read, but incomplete in many ways. The narrative sections were charming and occasionally funny, as Franklin was quite the rapscallion, but the endless reflections and occasional moral preaching sometimes proved too much to take seriously. It is, however, written in that glorious Anglo-American style of the late 18th century that I believe (being narrowly read and knowing nothing of linguistics) to be
THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY
BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, 1791"Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead."
A fun read, but incomplete in many ways. The narrative sections were charming and occasionally funny, as Franklin was quite the rapscallion, but the endless reflections and occasional moral preaching sometimes proved too much to take seriously. It is, however, written in that glorious Anglo-American style of the late 18th century that I believe (being narrowly read and knowing nothing of linguistics) to be the peak of the English language.
Unfortunately, the autobiography ends at the conclusion of the Seven Years War and doesn't include any observations about Paris diplomacy or any satirization of Adams, Madison, or the others. I found some of the miscellaneous writings following the autobiography to be interesting, but most of them were not.
...more The volume includes the Autobiography (the part I have read, as per my intention) and a collection of essays, journal entries, newspaper articles, and one scientific paper. It's actually hard to imagine a more complete and wonderful human being than Benjamin Franklin: craftsman, writer, inventor, philosopher, politician, statesman, &c., &c. His is a pragmatic world: he boils down religion into the parts which are useful in promoting virtue and being kind to others and then the stuff people just The volume includes the Autobiography (the part I have read, as per my intention) and a collection of essays, journal entries, newspaper articles, and one scientific paper. It's actually hard to imagine a more complete and wonderful human being than Benjamin Franklin: craftsman, writer, inventor, philosopher, politician, statesman, &c., &c. His is a pragmatic world: he boils down religion into the parts which are useful in promoting virtue and being kind to others and then the stuff people just argue about which makes them fall out; he invents things - stoves, lightning conductor; he spots where public works make society better: paving Market Street in Philadelphia; founds a public library, founds a University.... the list is just endless. An inspirational book. ...more
The earlier part of Franklin's autobiography is filled with anecdotal material from his life that is very interesting. For instance, did you know he is credited as the first American swimming coach? Initially, he started to write his story in the form of a letter to his son and he includes more personal stories. Later, someone suggested to Franklin that his life might be of interest to the public, so the last part of the book got very dry, with more factual information about his role in public a The earlier part of Franklin's autobiography is filled with anecdotal material from his life that is very interesting. For instance, did you know he is credited as the first American swimming coach? Initially, he started to write his story in the form of a letter to his son and he includes more personal stories. Later, someone suggested to Franklin that his life might be of interest to the public, so the last part of the book got very dry, with more factual information about his role in public affairs and international politics. Easy to read and not nearly as long winded as some of the autobiographies written today. ...more
I ran across the autobiography of Franklin in a couple of places independently recently, which I took as a sign I should probably read it. Very interesting contemporaneous take on life in colonial America. Of course, his plan for self-improvement through the pursuit of his 13 virtues is important and makes me want to be a better person. It is a tough read, though, given that it's written in the language of the time. I'm glad I read it, but I'm equally glad that I'm not facing the prospect of rea I ran across the autobiography of Franklin in a couple of places independently recently, which I took as a sign I should probably read it. Very interesting contemporaneous take on life in colonial America. Of course, his plan for self-improvement through the pursuit of his 13 virtues is important and makes me want to be a better person. It is a tough read, though, given that it's written in the language of the time. I'm glad I read it, but I'm equally glad that I'm not facing the prospect of reading it again. ...more
Most of this little book's value for me is Stacy Schiff's customarily literate introduction. Franklin was a complex character. Many of his contemporaries thought of him as larger than life. Of course, he was mostly a competent and lucky politician.
Franklin's Autobiography is rather dry reading for someone who isn't a Franklin scholar. Ditto for his other writings. Except for the consideration of their irrefutable archival value, maybe it's not a great shame that many of Franklin's papers were l Most of this little book's value for me is Stacy Schiff's customarily literate introduction. Franklin was a complex character. Many of his contemporaries thought of him as larger than life. Of course, he was mostly a competent and lucky politician.
Franklin's Autobiography is rather dry reading for someone who isn't a Franklin scholar. Ditto for his other writings. Except for the consideration of their irrefutable archival value, maybe it's not a great shame that many of Franklin's papers were lost.
Read more of by book reviews and poems here:
www.richardsubber.com ...more
A life A highly informative description Franklin gives us of his life. Starting with his adolescence and being apprenticed to his older brother. Franklin proceeds to tell reader how he traveled from Boston to Philadelphia and eventually went into business there he also describes his other travels discoveries and inventions. The autobiography is further enhanced by some of his additional writings in the book. In total this book provides the 21st century reader a glimpse at the brilliance and ingen
A life A highly informative description Franklin gives us of his life. Starting with his adolescence and being apprenticed to his older brother. Franklin proceeds to tell reader how he traveled from Boston to Philadelphia and eventually went into business there he also describes his other travels discoveries and inventions. The autobiography is further enhanced by some of his additional writings in the book. In total this book provides the 21st century reader a glimpse at the brilliance and ingenuity of Benjamin Franklin
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Benjamin Franklin was quite possibly America's greatest citizen. The sum of his inventions, political influence and writings are incomparable. This autobiography and other writings gives a snapshot into his life, part self-help book, part history book, part philosophical, religious, and political treatise. He doesn't dwell on any subject to long but is still able to elucidate on a number of topics. So much knowledge packed into so few pages. Simply brilliant. Benjamin Franklin was quite possibly America's greatest citizen. The sum of his inventions, political influence and writings are incomparable. This autobiography and other writings gives a snapshot into his life, part self-help book, part history book, part philosophical, religious, and political treatise. He doesn't dwell on any subject to long but is still able to elucidate on a number of topics. So much knowledge packed into so few pages. Simply brilliant. ...more
When reading and learning about the Autobiography I not only came to appreciate its influence, but also fall for Franklin's homespun advice and carefully crafted image. His discussion of virtues I found particularly interesting, but also reminiscent of Aristotle. I would very much encourage my fellow Americans to at least learn about the Autobiography to appreciate its social and artistic influence (warts and all by the way). When reading and learning about the Autobiography I not only came to appreciate its influence, but also fall for Franklin's homespun advice and carefully crafted image. His discussion of virtues I found particularly interesting, but also reminiscent of Aristotle. I would very much encourage my fellow Americans to at least learn about the Autobiography to appreciate its social and artistic influence (warts and all by the way). ...more
Informative book, but so boring it was hard to keep an eye on the really important material. Maybe, it just wasn't the right time for me to read this book. The last section of letters was interesting: short and to the point. Informative book, but so boring it was hard to keep an eye on the really important material. Maybe, it just wasn't the right time for me to read this book. The last section of letters was interesting: short and to the point. ...more
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