Book Cover of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

by Benjamin Franklin

Inventor, author, printer, scientist, politician, diplomat—all these terms do not even begin to fully describe the amazing and multitalented, Benjamin Franklin who was of course also one of the Founding Fathers of America. At the age of 75, in 1771 he began work on what he called his Memoirs. He was still working on it when he died in 1790 and it was published posthumously, entitled An Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. The book had a complicated and controversial publication history. Strangely enough, the first volume only was first published in French, in Paris in 1791. Later in 1793 a couple of English translations appeared containing the second volume as well. In 1818 Franklin's grandson brought out a three volume edition, which left out the last unfinished fourth volume. William Temple Franklin also took great liberties with the text and made his own revisions. However, in 1868, publisher John Bigelow purchased the original and complete manuscript and brought out the most complete edition so far. The 20th century saw several scholars bring out more definitive and complete versions. An Autobiography... was written apparently to apprise his son about the events of his life and also meant to be a treatise that would lead to the self betterment of the younger generation. As a book, it is a difficult and complex read. The tone is often meandering, arrogant and condescending in turn and does not have a consistent feel. Written over an extended time period, there are large gaps in sequence and often the author contradicts his own recounting of events. In fact, it ends abruptly, without a shred of information about Franklin's seminal role in the American Revolution. Yet, two centuries after its debut, it remains widely read and acclaimed, valued for its being almost the first autobiography to have been written in English. Its extensive advice on how to go about achieving a list of virtues is probably the first ever self-help book. As a glimpse of life in 18th century America, it is unrivaled. An Autobiography... also provides readers with the immense possibilities that the New World holds. A poor middleclass youth, one of 10 children, whose parents could hardly afford to send him to school, who attains learning and honest employment by dint of sheer hard work can even today be said to represent the American Dream. With the publication of An Autobiography... it was possible for this new and emerging superpower to establish a history and tradition of its own. As a slice of history, An Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is indeed an interesting and riveting read.

Book Details

Language

English

Original Language

American English

Published In

1791

Genre/Category

Tags/Keywords

Author

Benjamin Franklin image

Benjamin Franklin

United States

Franklin earned the title of "The First American" for his early and indefatigable campaigning for colonial unity, initially as an author and spokesman in London for several colonies. As the first Unit...

More on Benjamin Franklin

Listen/Download Audiobook

Read by:
00:00
Playback Speed 1.0
00:00
  • Select Speed

Related books

Henry Ford's Own Story  Cover image

Henry Ford's Own Story by Rose Wilder Lane

This story talks how Henry Ford went from farmer to biggest car manufacturer in the world. He was the ultimate bootstrapper and startuper. Building hi...

A Japanese Boy Cover image

A Japanese Boy by Shigemi Shiukichi

The life of a Japanese boy in the late 1800's and early 1900's, told simply and beautifully. This isn't about civilizations and governments, but about...

Robert Browning Cover image

Robert Browning by Gilbert K. Chesterton

There is an old anecdote, probably apocryphal, which describes how a feminine admirer wrote to Browning asking him for the meaning of one of his darke...

Richard I  Cover image

Richard I by Jacob Abbott

There are certain names which are familiar, as names, to all mankind; and every person who seeks for any degree of mental cultivation, feels desirous...

Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Painters Cover image

Little Journeys to the Homes of Eminent Painters by Elbert Hubbard

It takes readers on a journey through time and space, offering a glimpse into the homes and lives of these painters. The writing is vivid and descript...

The Underground Railroad, Part 5 Cover image

The Underground Railroad, Part 5 by William Still

The Underground Railroad was a network of secret routes and safe houses established in the United States during the early- to mid-19th century. It was...

Mark Twain: His Life and Work  Cover image

Mark Twain: His Life and Work by William M. Clemens

It is an interesting and funny biography on Samuel Langhorne Clemens (otherwise known as Mark Twain). He became stronger while he grew up as he was a...

Society as I Have Found It Cover image

Society as I Have Found It by Ward McAllister

Mark Twain illustrator Dan Beard recalled discussing McAllister’s book with Twain. “It was before Webster & Company failed that Ward McAllister’s book...

Up from Slavery: An Autobiography Cover image

Up from Slavery: An Autobiography by Booker T. Washington

Up from Slavery is the 1901 autobiography of American educator Booker T. Washington (1856–1915). The book describes his personal experience of having...

The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution  Cover image

The Colored Patriots of the American Revolution by William Cooper Nell

This is a the true story’s of real Americans overcoming with respect hard work and most of all a hope in jesus, As an American I can see the heart of...

Reviews for The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

No reviews posted or approved, yet...