"The first book to belong permanently to literature. It created a man."
-- From the Introduction
Few men could compare to Benjamin Fr... read full description
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Jan 29, 2012
Isis
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The charm and pleasure of this book, for me, is that it is not about the famous Benjamin Franklin, the inventor and one of the fathers of the American Revolution, but that it is about the young Franklin; about his education and apprenticeship as a printer to his brother, about his love of books and his determination to improve his writing skills, about how he uprooted himself from his birthplace and family and moved to Philadelphia, and began a business there. He meets rogues and swindlers, has
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Aug 01, 2009
Ilyn
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Dr. Benjamin Franklin is the embodiment of Thomas Edison’s “Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” He came from a poor family. His sensible father was of good character. Dr. Franklin was a deist. What God has given man, he purposefully, methodically, and continually used to improve himself. A self-driven independent thinker, he endeavored to improve, not only mentally and financially, but morally. He did it for his own sake, and the fruits became the glory of mankind.
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Mar 02, 2008
Holly
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This is a wonderfully inspiring Read. It's a small book packed with great insights into virtuous living. His curiosity and observation of the world around him lead him to live an amazingly full life in which he accomplished much for the good of mankind. All this combined with his wit and writing style make it enjoyable to read and truly encourages the reader towards self improvement. I'm actually reading it again right now. It's great for new year's resolutions.
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Sep 03, 2007
A
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It's been a very long time since I read this book, but it's a classic and worth the read. It's interesting to consider what a diverse person Franklin was. I also recall that, while he was full of good advice, it appeared that he was very imperfect in taking the advice himself!
Jan 25, 2008
Niesha
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There is so much to learn from Benjamin Franklin and his autobiography and other writings. Please read it yourself. It is well worth your time. I was inspired by his genius, curiosity in all subjects and in people.
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(4 people liked it)
Mar 15, 2009
Shannon
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Man oh man, that dude had some mad skills. This book is written somewhat sloppily - changing narrative styles throughout, carrying on from time to time, and not even finishing it - but the content is truly amazing. Why didn't I learn in school about how awesome Ben Franklin was? In addition to his kite flying escapade, he invented a better type of wood burning furnace, and a better street lamp. He created the first public university in America (U. Penn), helped create one of the first public hos
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Apr 17, 2009
Christina
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This was one of the those books I put on my 'to-read' list just because it seemed I ought to read it. I didn't expect to enjoy it as much as I did. Once I got into the flow of the style, it was engaging and fun to read. It is well written - especially when you consider it wasn't ever finished or edited by the author. It is a work in progress.
I was also amazed at everything Benjamin Franklin accomplished. His military accomplishments, experiments, and public projects were amazing More...
I was also amazed at everything Benjamin Franklin accomplished. His military accomplishments, experiments, and public projects were amazing More...
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Dec 13, 2011
Ensiform
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Not his full life, but an unfinished work, beginning with his decision to leave New York, and his father’s rather forced guidance to become a printer in Philadelphia, to his rise to fame as a statesman, inventor, and mediator, and ending abruptly as he settles a dispute between the people and wealthy estate owners over contributing to the King’s war fund. It’s written in a plain, unadorned style, in rough chronological order but resembling a series of anecdotes, a bit like a personal remembranc
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Nov 20, 2011
Betty
rated it:
This is the book the set the new style for writing an autobiography. It tells of his early trials as a youth, apprentice, journeyman and finally master printer. The most important thing I learned from this book was the statement that:
“It was about this time I conceiv'd the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish'd to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into.”
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Oct 14, 2011
The author of this book is Benjamin Franklin and his purpose in writing this autobiography was to inform the reader about his life before and after he became famous for inventing electricity. This book includes many detailed parts of Franklin's life.
The theme of this book is Benjamin Franklin's life and how he lived. He was one of the most famous people to live because he created one of the most used things in todays society, and that is electricity. I think the author want More...
The theme of this book is Benjamin Franklin's life and how he lived. He was one of the most famous people to live because he created one of the most used things in todays society, and that is electricity. I think the author want More...
Aug 13, 2011
Shannon
rated it:
How can I give Benjamin Franklin fewer than five stars?
In what began as a letter to his son in 1771, Franklin decided to share the "anecdotes of [his] ancestors" and impart some of his own wisdom learned during his life. But the crisis between America and Great Britain would soon put a halt to his autobiographical work. It would be more than a decade later, at the pleadings of his friends, that Franklin would again take up his pen and complete his memoir.
The first s More...
In what began as a letter to his son in 1771, Franklin decided to share the "anecdotes of [his] ancestors" and impart some of his own wisdom learned during his life. But the crisis between America and Great Britain would soon put a halt to his autobiographical work. It would be more than a decade later, at the pleadings of his friends, that Franklin would again take up his pen and complete his memoir.
The first s More...
Mar 17, 2011
Jessica
rated it: 
Benjamin Franklin invented the American Fire Department, wood stoves, and the American system of government. You would think, then, that he'd invent some way of writing an autobiography that wasn't boring as hell. But no. Franklin loves his books, and he also loves self-improvement (the best parts of this are his bizarre charts where he rates himself on a 13-point scale of morality). But despite all of his attention to rhetoric this book does not, in my opinion, rise to the occasion of chron
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Feb 24, 2011
Nick
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Benjamin Franklin's autobiography is an insightful look into his character and many of his achievements, but it hits a wall at about the half-way mark and drags on towards an abrupt finish. The first half of the book is addressed to Franklin's son, and it contains information about Franklin's family, his humble upbringing, and his boot-strapping days as a young man seeking work in Philadelphia. The latter half of the book is targeted at a wider audience after it was suggested that Franklin publi
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Dec 16, 2010
Ray
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Franklin was so amazingly ahead of his time, or perhaps he merely spearheaded the American Enlightenment. The first thing that struck me were the slow beginnings that the man had; he built up his success bit by bit, starting as as his brother´s apprentice in a Boston printing shop, moving blindly to Philadelphia, apprenticing there, spending time in England and then, eventually, raising his stature in Philadelphia society such that he became one of our countries Founding Fathers.
The a More...
The a More...
Oct 13, 2010
Michael G.
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People do not fall into the category of 'great' by chance or triviality. Ben Franklin worked to improve himself, his community, and the lives of those with whom he shared his existence. He set an example of honesty, hard work, sobriety, fair dealing, and generosity that has been a light on the path of millions. His example seems to me exactly what is needed today.
Reading this book was a joy. It's cool too to note the differences in writing style and spelling he used. Just two ex More...
Reading this book was a joy. It's cool too to note the differences in writing style and spelling he used. Just two ex More...
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Sep 06, 2010
Rosanne
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As you may remember from one of my previous posts, the book club that I am a part of is currently reading through a chronological list of famous autobiographies. Benjamin Franklin’s life story was a work I had never read before, although I was familiar with many of the details of his early life from juvenile biographies I read in school. In his own words, Franklin describes how he became a scholar, a printer, an entrepreneur, and a statesman. It is an unfinished work; I was disappointed to find
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Aug 25, 2010
Bruce
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I read this book as a teenager and was so captivated that I tried Franklin’s scheme of cultivating the virtues, probably with only marginal success. It was fun to reacquaint myself with the work.
Franklin first of all affirms that he would live his life over again unchanged, were he given the opportunity. Compare this with Nietzsche’s assertion that such would be repugnant to most men. Thus one can see that Franklin was essentially a content and optimistic man. This book is a ca More...
Franklin first of all affirms that he would live his life over again unchanged, were he given the opportunity. Compare this with Nietzsche’s assertion that such would be repugnant to most men. Thus one can see that Franklin was essentially a content and optimistic man. This book is a ca More...
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May 05, 2010
Matt
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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
You may have transacted business with an organization named in his honor. Perhaps you've traveled a city that shares his last name. You probably have a picture or semi-bust of him in your clothes. You have heard of documents and organizations he was involved. One of the most interesting minds in American history, Benjamin Franklin demonstrates his intelligence and candidness in his own memoirs. Any autobiography provides More...
You may have transacted business with an organization named in his honor. Perhaps you've traveled a city that shares his last name. You probably have a picture or semi-bust of him in your clothes. You have heard of documents and organizations he was involved. One of the most interesting minds in American history, Benjamin Franklin demonstrates his intelligence and candidness in his own memoirs. Any autobiography provides More...
Mar 22, 2010
Tina
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This was hard to read. Like, book club books usually take me about a week and this one took twice that, hard. I kept wanting him to write about the things he s famous for today. You know the things I mean, bifocals, the American Revolution, the kite and the key, etc. While he briefly wrote about his scientific experiments and mentioned in passing the kite and the key thing, he died before he got to writing about the American Revolution. On top of that, he didn’t write about how he thought
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Mar 15, 2010
Dia
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Hurrah for Ben Franklin! And such a shame that he only managed to compile a very fragmented and partial memoir. But what a glimpse we do get, not only of the man himself, with his funny pride which is actually more modest than he contrived himself to be, but also of a pre-USA America, a muddy, scrappy, haphazard world without libraries, police, fire departments, good roads, regular public transportation, reliable postal service, ready military forces, and so on...more than half of which instit
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Jul 18, 2009
Erik
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I entered high school with the intention of becoming a physical scientist, maybe an astrophysicist. I graduated with the intention of becoming an historian because of the exceptionally good teachers in that department and one very bad teacher in A.P. Chemistry (and, to be fair, a certain personal ineptitude in the laboratory). At Maine Township H.S. South I not only took the required History of Civilization, World History, U.S. History, and Government/Democracy classes, but was also able to do
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May 27, 2009
Wilson
rated it:
This is the book the set the new style for writing an autobiography. It tells of his early trials as a youth, apprentice, journeyman and finally master printer. The most important thing I learned from this book was the statement that:
“It was about this time I conceiv'd the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish'd to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into.”
More...
“It was about this time I conceiv'd the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection. I wish'd to live without committing any fault at any time; I would conquer all that either natural inclination, custom, or company might lead me into.”
More...
Jul 12, 2011
Lani
rated it: 
I've always been fascinated by Ben Franklin and did lots of projects on him in school. He was born on the same day as me which I always thought was neat. So I was surprised that I didn't remember reading his autobiography.
Well, thank god I didn't try to read this when I was 8. Although the early years of Franklin's life were pretty interesting, beyond the first third of the book, it was SLOOOOW going. I should have stopped when Franklin stopped writing the first section. The book is More...
Well, thank god I didn't try to read this when I was 8. Although the early years of Franklin's life were pretty interesting, beyond the first third of the book, it was SLOOOOW going. I should have stopped when Franklin stopped writing the first section. The book is More...
May 05, 2009
Jessica
rated it:
I put off reading this book because I figured it would be really boring perhaps detailing his experiments and whatnot. I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed the book very much. I was impressed with his writing skills and his ambition. Without a formal education, he was able to teach himself enough to become a prolific writer, businessman, printer, politician, and spokesperson. He also met many people on his travels who proved to be instrumental to his career. I was impressed by his attitude and
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May 26, 2010
Melissa
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Good book to get to know Benjamin Franklin's early years. The book does not go up to the Declaration of Independence timeframe, which I would like to read about.
A couple parts I liked:
Speaking of the local preacher:
"Had he been in my opinion a good preacher,perhaps I might have continued, notwithstanding the occasion I had for the Sunday's leisure in my course of study; but his discourses were chiefly either polemic arguments, or explications of the peculiar doctri More...
A couple parts I liked:
Speaking of the local preacher:
"Had he been in my opinion a good preacher,perhaps I might have continued, notwithstanding the occasion I had for the Sunday's leisure in my course of study; but his discourses were chiefly either polemic arguments, or explications of the peculiar doctri More...
Jan 31, 2012
Annie
rated it:
I enjoyed getting to know Benjamin Franklin through his autobiography, especially since he is nothing like I expected. Now that I think about it, I am not sure what I expected - other than possibly a tedious read about all of his accomplishments.
Instead, we are acquainted with an intelligent, funny, well-meaning and introspective individual who kindly shares his practical insights on day-to-day living, business and industry and politics through his own trials and errors.
I More...
Instead, we are acquainted with an intelligent, funny, well-meaning and introspective individual who kindly shares his practical insights on day-to-day living, business and industry and politics through his own trials and errors.
I More...
Apr 04, 2010
Daveski
rated it:
The first half of this autobiography, dealing with his early career as a printer, is really fascinating and enjoyable. Franklin was a brilliant man, and he does an excellent job of weaving advice and wisdom into his narrative.
After this part, he lost me a bit. He talks about virtue and morality, but I disagreed with much of what he said, making it not very much fun to read. He seems somewhat full of himself, and honestly he comes across as a bit of a jerk.
Even so, he More...
After this part, he lost me a bit. He talks about virtue and morality, but I disagreed with much of what he said, making it not very much fun to read. He seems somewhat full of himself, and honestly he comes across as a bit of a jerk.
Even so, he More...
Mar 05, 2011
Ruthette
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I found the first half of the book (Franklin's account of having come to the colonies as a young man, and his various trials in making his way in the world) quite fascinating. Unfortunately, the second half seemed to meander a bit and could be summed up nicely with the phrase, "It all would have turned out much differently if everyone had just taken my advice about everything."
And although I had known from the outset that the work was unfinished, I was slightly let down by t More...
And although I had known from the outset that the work was unfinished, I was slightly let down by t More...
Dec 31, 2011
Ed
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This book is a treasure, an actual autobiography of one of the Founding Fathers, and I'd recommend it to anyone. It's a quick read, and surprisingly accessible. Franklin was a printer who successfully published popular texts, particularly his famous periodical Poor Richard's Almanack, so his clear writing is very against the grain of the dense verbiage of his era.
I give this autobiography four stars because it's not a fully realized work. The first part is a letter from Franklin to More...
I give this autobiography four stars because it's not a fully realized work. The first part is a letter from Franklin to More...
