reviews
Jul 25, 2008
nat
rated 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.
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Mar 16, 2011
Kendel
rated it: 
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 for More...
“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 for More...
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May 08, 2010
Dhsparkman
rated it: 
Franklin was the foremost scientist on the planet in 1750. And that is just a small facet of a great man. His autobiography provides a great insight into the life and times of colonial America, in which he played a leading part. One gets a first hand look at the French and Indian [Seven Years':] War, as fought in North America on the administrative front.
What is surprising is the self-absorbtion of Franklin himself. One sees a man who is totally consumed with himself, and thinki More...
What is surprising is the self-absorbtion of Franklin himself. One sees a man who is totally consumed with himself, and thinki More...
Aug 24, 2010
Barbara
rated it:
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
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Sep 21, 2011
Patrick
rated it: 
Benjamin Franklin is a giant of American history-the only man to sign all four major documents of the founding of the United States. He figures in prominently in the John Adams miniseries on HBO, not to mention his Poor Richard and electricity fame. This led me to finally read The Autobiography and Other Writings of Benjamin Franklin. The hallmark of the Penguin Classics are the knowledgeable forwards and carefully edited edition and this one is no exception-Kenneth Silverman has done an excelle
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Mar 21, 2010
Kristin
rated it:
First, let me state that I have not read this entire book. I read the autobiography, and aside from possibly going back and reading his advice to a friend on choosing a mistress, it's all I intend to read.
Now, parts of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography were very interesting, particularly when he's initiating fairly new social services for Philadelphia. (i.e.: circulating libraries, volunteer fire departments, and a university). However, I was very disapointed that despite writing in More...
Now, parts of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography were very interesting, particularly when he's initiating fairly new social services for Philadelphia. (i.e.: circulating libraries, volunteer fire departments, and a university). However, I was very disapointed that despite writing in More...
Mar 25, 2010
Jessica
rated it:
This was one of the hardest books to get through but it was pretty interesting to learn so much more about one of the great men who shaped America. I always knew Ben Franklin did a lot of things but I really had no idea how much he managed to accomplish in his lifetime. He was one of the early supporters of uniting the 13 colonies into one nation which was new info to me. I knew about bifocals and electricity, but I didn't know about the library, hospital, militia, and university he founded.
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Jul 27, 2011
The account of Franklin's humble beginnings, his frugal and industrious nature, and his rise to acclaim within New England. Perhaps the most interesting section of this book lies in the personal letters of Franklin, depicting, at times, a more pious and sincere account of the man. Among these letters lie the writings of an inventor, a politician, a humanist, and a deist. The comical anecdotes and accurate accounts of the brutality of humanity, though related often with much satirical shading, de
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May 24, 2010
Gareth
rated it:
Really easy read overall. It was very interesting to see what he saw as his own personal failings. In reading it I got the impression that he didn't really see them as faults at all but wanted to portray them as such for the dumbass reader. I don't quite know the correct term to describe it but it's like self-deprecating humor that makes you look charming for poking fun at yourself. The only difference was that his mentioning of personal failing wasn't told as a joke. Anyway I found it funn
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Jan 14, 2012
Michele
rated it:
In short, the autobiographical writings are amazing. Benjamin Franklin has an ease of communication that allows his thoughts and emotions to flow freely from the pen into the minds of even the most modern readers. I find him to be intelligent beyond all expectation, wise beyond his time, and highly entertaining.
The other writings.... well, i am grateful for much of it, as it illuminated circumstances and peripheral information related to Benjamin Franklin's writings. But some of it trudged throu More...
The other writings.... well, i am grateful for much of it, as it illuminated circumstances and peripheral information related to Benjamin Franklin's writings. But some of it trudged throu More...
Jan 18, 2010
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 connect
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Aug 30, 2011
Brennan
rated it:
Had to read it for school so I pretty much skimmed through it. It was alright. A little dry for my tastes in an autobiography. Autobiographies are a rare opportunity to express your thoughts and feels involved in your actions, but all we basically got from Ben was "I did this... then I did this..." But I guess the lack of passion and expression goes pretty well with his philosophy for a virtuous life.
Jul 28, 2011
Todd
rated it:
This is one of the greatest books ever written! I read this in college and have referred to it several times over the years as a resource of one of America's greatest entrepreneurs/inventors. His life is so Americana and it is relived as you read it. His virtues or values are a pattern for living and I admire his quest for perfection.
Sep 28, 2010
Robert
rated it:
This was a book that was on my reading list for a number of years. I eventually had an opportunity to read it circa 1992. I recall realizing the genius of Ben Franklin while reading it.
Ol' Ben seemed to have life figured out quite well. His wisdom is pertinent even today. I marvel at how prominent God and Jesus were in his life.
Ol' Ben seemed to have life figured out quite well. His wisdom is pertinent even today. I marvel at how prominent God and Jesus were in his life.
May 06, 2011
SpookySqueeek
rated it:
Three stars probably isn't really fair. Again, a book assigned for history class. The antiquated English is a little hard to get through, but Franklin is genuinely interesting. The editors notes in this edition are very helpful. If you're an American history fan, or just a Franklin fan, probably a great read.
Nov 09, 2011
Emily
rated it:
This book was kind of boring, but hey its an autobiography of a man who lived 3oo years ago so how lively can you expect it to be. It did give me a better insight on Benjamin Franklin though so add a star for that. I had to read for school otherwise I probably wouldn't have read it....
Feb 09, 2011
Daniella
rated it: 
i never wanted to burn books before reading this one but after reading it i decided that burning some books can be rewarding. it took me months of falling asleep to finish this one. i throw it across the room about a hundred times before i was able to finish it.
Jun 17, 2011
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 mistakes in the afternoon like they do.
Mar 13, 2011
James
rated it:
Great book. Franklin humbly enlightens the reader with his views on how to lead a good, productive life and the lessons he has drawn from his own.
May 22, 2010
Laura
rated it:
I have enjoyed getting to know Benjamin Franklin. He is truly a modern Socrates.
Ben Franklin is the model of a Renaissance Man, and he had an astute understanding of Human nature.
I enjoyed his sense of humor, and his wisdom is just as applicable today it was over 300 years ago.
As I'm reading more biographies than I have in the past, I'm beginning to notice patterns in the lives of the great men in the world. Their vision is never disconnected into one subj More...
Ben Franklin is the model of a Renaissance Man, and he had an astute understanding of Human nature.
I enjoyed his sense of humor, and his wisdom is just as applicable today it was over 300 years ago.
As I'm reading more biographies than I have in the past, I'm beginning to notice patterns in the lives of the great men in the world. Their vision is never disconnected into one subj More...
Feb 19, 2011
The book is a must read for anyone interested in American History. It was really interesting to read first hand accounts someone who was so involved in the founding of our nation and its culture. I was bored, however, through the first 65 pages and towards the end it got fairly dry as well. I was fascinated by the portion of the book that talks about his industry, inventions, and other endeavors as one of our first great citizens. Half the book was a five star and the other half was a two st
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Feb 20, 2010
Bre
rated it:
This book made me want to set higher goals and act on every creative thought I have ever conceived.
Jun 21, 2008
Greg
rated it:
Bought this to have a hrdbound copy of the Autobiography of Ben Franklin, which I've read several times in paperback. Outstanding, both for personal/professional development, and for a uniquely personal (albeit occasionally self-serving) view of early American history. Especially of note is his discussion of his lifelong effort to attain "moral perfection" through attaining the thirteen "virtues" he describes. The method he used, and recommends, is a wonderful way for anyone
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Jun 11, 2010
Mary Lou
rated it:
I think I learned more about Franklin from the "Other Writings" than maybe his actual autobiography. A powerful man. Known as very personable and likable by people all over the world of America and Europe. But the one relationship that should have been paramount above all else he seemed to fail miserably. I wonder that poor Deborah was so lonely. Even after her having a stroke, Franklin did very less than even attempt to write to her. Kind of sad considering all else he accomplis
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Feb 10, 2011
elle
rated it:
I find some things about Ben Frank to be very inspiring. Other things -- like the blatant racism and sexist portions of this book -- I wasn't so into. I know he lived in his times and all of that good b.s., but I still don't have to like it when someone writes something fucked up, be it last year or 300 years ago. I think the best part of Mr. Franklin is his 13 Virtues (which I want to paint on my wall) and the fact that he describes my city in very good detail. Philly is a wonder!
May 05, 2008
Breanne
rated it:
At his hand, this book reads quickly and ends aburptly at a point in his life I would have liked to know more about. He speaks little of his family life and inventions and humbly hints at his civic roles. I found his methods of persuasion quite genius and his determination to aquire perfection extremely compelling. I'm not sure in the form of autobiography he can catalog his true successes and achievements especially after learning something of his quest for humility.
Dec 28, 2008
David
rated it:
"Write something worth reading, or do something worth writing." This Benjamin Franklin Quote has stuck with me since I've heard it. After reading his autobiography you can understand the philosophy behind this quote because everything he wrote about was meant to inform or educate, and the life he lived has been an influence on an entire nation or two. His words are life lessons for success.
Jul 02, 2008
JoAnn
rated it:
What an amazing man! Learning about his life, the way he came to be and who he was was intriguing. This book left quite an impression on me. I came to understand more clearly the value good old fashion virtues - their vitality for the individual and society of which they become a part.
