The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: 1706-1757

· The Floating Press
4.4
15 reviews
Ebook
285
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, which Franklin himself called his Memoirs, is the unfinished record of his life written between 1771 and 1790. It has become one of the most well-known and influential autobiographies in history, and has been praised both as a historical document and a piece of literature in its own right. William Dean Howells declared that "Franklin's is one of the greatest autobiographies in literature, and towers over other autobiographies as Franklin towered over other men."

Ratings and reviews

4.4
15 reviews
Yusuf Young
May 29, 2014
The first half is about Franklin's moral philosophy, outlook on life and personal thoughts about how to achieve success and wealth in life. It has several concrete, specific tips, moral codes, and even lessons in how to change your character to become a better person (self development). The second half skips almost all such thoughts, and instead focuses on the events after he became active in public life. This part is for those interested in American history.
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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.

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