Customer Reviews (3)

An outstanding Norton Critical Edition
If you are looking for "the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin," this is the volume to get.It is a Norton Critical Edition, perhaps the gold standard of anthologies, and it is edited by Lemay and Zall.

I believe Lemay and Zall are the "experts" in the autobiographical writings of Benjamin Franklin.

Critical essays include essays written contemporaneously with this autobiography (including David Hume and John Adams); in the 19th century (including Edgar Allen Poe, Herman Melville, Mark Twain); in the 20th century (including D.H. Lawrence, W. Somerset Maugham).The critical essay by D. H. Lawrence is a classic, but it is clear that Lawrence "misread" Benjamin Franklin, and having read it, I have lost some admiration for Lawrence.

Watch for this volume at discount book stores and independent books sellers through Amazon.com.

An outstanding edition of a classic American text
Anyone who has ever taken a literature class in college knows the NortonCritical Editions: an absolutely first-rate version of the text, a healthysupply of contemporary responses and letters, and the best essays yetwritten about the text.This edition of Benjamin Franklin's"Autobiography" is no exception.The quintessential AmericanEnlightenment figure, Franklin is far more complex than most people think,and far funnier.When it came time to write the Declaration ofIndependence, the Congress wouldn't give it to Franklin alone, in largepart because they were afraid he'd hide a joke in it.One of his mostinfamous pieces of writing was under the guise of a prostitute beingbrought before the court for having yet another illegitimate child -- andthen attacking the court for making it necessary for her to pursue herprofession!And the letter Franklin wrote his own illegitimate son abouthow to keep a mistress is a classic in and of itself.The only great flawin the autobiography is that it stops before Franklin ever reaches theRevolutionary War, and thus we don't have the inside story of that periloustime.But anybody wanting to understand Franklin's life, the means towealth, or the evolution of a brilliant mind will love this text.It'smandatory reading for every American, in my mind.

Poor Richard's Rich Insights
How many books have you read that you remember thirty-six years later?Ben Franklin's insights into principles of self-improvement, and his love for the adventure of life were not only inspiring to me when I discoveredhis autobiography in the Holmesburg Library in Philadelphia at age 14, butthey still remain motivational for me at age 50! Ben Franklin was theDale Carnegie of his age. He realized that by following basic core valueprinciples, and by constant practice in the adventure of life, he could notonly creatively change himself, but he could positively impact those aroundhim as well. Ben Franklin led a purposeful, creative life.I am thankfulthat he had the foresight to pass his exhuberance along to us in this hisautobiography. It was fun to read.I think I'll read it again.Thanks,Ben. ... Read more

Book Description
A treasury of over 900 quotations spoken by the first "American" as well as numerous entertaining anecdotes about his adventures and misadventures, making it the fourth in the WIT & WISDOM series from RHVP.Covering everything from Sage Sayings to Franklin Fables, it even incudes a time line of Franklin's life and the world around him. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Constant Treasure
I treasure this book! Not just a book of quotations -- in a series of annectdotes, mouthwatering morsels, that leave you hungry for more, this is a literary feast. It presents Ben Franklin in a way that few books can.The reason?It shows you the Franklin you want -- when you want him.The topics -- prejudice, slander, or party loyalty -- to name some, are clear, well-organized, and often witty.But these are not the main reasons I treasure the book. You might have excellent access to short squibbs on Warren Harding.The book draws its delight from the greatness of Franklin and the authors abiding appreciation of the First American. A possessor of the earlier edition, I promise you an inexhaustible treasure. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Get to Know Ben
This publication proves that some writings actually never go out of style.It is interesting, at times the events are questionable, but overall this is a good read.This autobiography is an integral part of my "Great Americans" book club library.

i had to read it for class....
The Olde English Writing Style made this book quite painful for me to read.Although the content is very interesting, if this was not required reading I don't think I would have mustered through it.... ... Read more

Book Description
Young Benjamin Franklin could do almost anything. At the age of 12, he worked at a print shop. By 15, he had started writing in his brother’s newspaper. His funny writing and clever advice became famous all over the colonies. Ben invented the lightning rod, a new kind of stove, and many other things that improved people’s lives. When the colonies rebelled against England, Ben helped write the Declaration of Independence and the new Constitution. One of the most respected men of his time, Benjamin Franklin remains a role model for Americans to this day. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Step-Up Series provides entertainment and education
As a homeschool mother, I want my child to enjoy the learning process. I have been delighted with the Step-Up series and Benjamin Franklin has been no exception. They are written in an straight forward, but not dumbed down, manner. My daughter and I got the high points of Franklin's life, as well as the ideals he stood for, in a lively, interesting format.

I would have preferred more pictures; but that's just me!

Meet Benjamin Franklin
This is a great book for any child from 2nd grade to 4th grade to read. It is in large print which makes it easy for children to read. This book highlights all the main accomplishments and events of Benjamin Franklin's life. It is very interesting and will hold a young child's attention from the begining until the end of the book. I really enjoyed the way it covered his whole life, not just when he started making great inventions, like most books. It was one of my favorite books when I was in elementary school. ... Read more

Book Description
Franklin’s Autobiography is one of the most famous works in American literature.He started it as a private collection of anecdotes for his son, but soon it was transformed into a work of history, both personal and national, revealing Franklin as the man who, as Herman Melville said, possessed “deep worldly wisdom and polished Italian tact, gleaming under an air of Arcadian unaffectedness. ... Read more

Book Description
In honor of the 300th anniversary of Franklin's birth, Mark Skousen has accomplished what the old philosopher was unable to complete: He has finished the autobiography completely in Franklin's own words. The Compleated Autobiography retains Franklin's sophistication, humor, and sense of irony that made the original autobiography a classic. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

A Disappointing Faux Auto Biography
This is a review of the audio version of this work.

I found this to be a great disappointment, bordering on annoying.The author was attempting to complete Franklin's autobiography which doesn't cover the second half of his life.I found two very difficult problems with the work.

First, the opening of the audio book presents the author's background including why he wanted to do this.This introduction was distractingly self-serving and provided quite a bit more about the author than any reader would probably expect.He is a descendant of Franklin, which may spurn his motivation....but failed to make the experience any more enlightening.

Second, the book is written "using Franklin's own words"...or so says thenotes from the publisher.What it does is try to use the language of Franklin's day including quickly worn out expressions and lines.I tired very quickly of the authors attempt to turn every phrase like a Poor Richard quip.What he may have gained in accuracy, made the audio experience painful.

I do not recommend the audio edition for those two reasons, nor would I recommend the book.One would be better served with Isaacson's (BF: An American Life) book for a look at the second half of Franklin's life....it's simply written better and it offers more insight.

The idea of getting inside Franklin's head and finishing the autobiography is compelling....but this attempt failed in it's lofty goal.

--Cudo

Pretty Good
Let's just say I am a Franklin buff.If you really like Franklin or history this is a worth while read.If you want to learn more about Franklin you should start with the Autobiography and then move to one of the many Bios, the most recent of which is Walter Isaacson's "Benjamin Franklin."If you get through those, you may be well ready for this read.To be honest, in my opinion, the author stands in the way of this work a little but it is not bad.

Book review
Book received timely and in excellent condition.Am still in the process of reading it.

Great book for History Buffs
I gave this as a gift to my mother.My father read it cover to cover and enjoyed it and my mother is in the process of doing so.It is written in an older style and can be a bit dry, but history buffs (my parents) are really enjoying it.

Don't buy this book
I thought this book was about the autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. This is not the book I was thinking about. It was a book written by Benjamin Franklin but which is written after he wrote his famous autobiography. The book did not contain the contents of his autobiography but contains his writings that were written during his last years that was not included in his widely read autobiography.

The book title says it is 'compleated' autobiography. The book's title should be 'Last memoirs of Benjamin Frankilin' ... Read more

Book Description
An easy-to-read biography of the man who was a publisher, inventor, scientist, and one of the authors of the Declaration of Independence. ... Read more

Book Description
Benjamin Franklin's The Art of Virtue consists of a collection of Franklin's writings organized around his timeless philosophy on such topics as: goal setting and personal achievement, obtaining wealth and preserving health, human relations and family living, religion and morality, aging and dying, and much, much more.

Full of profound insights, delightful humor, quotable quotes, and plenty of common sense; The Art of Virtue provides wonderful reading for both young and old alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Love Ben Franklin
Great book on Benjamin Franklin's life. This book will make you a better person. Read it and digest it.

Timeless work
When you look at the cover and the preface, the book may appear to be written by Benjamin Franklin, but that is somewhat misleading. Sure, the essence of the book comes from the writings of B.F., but the editor of the book has also done a great job of putting a collection of writings by Franklin into an excellent structure.

Twelve virtues are identified answering key questions about the source of happiness, how to attain it, and many other important aspects of life. Each virtue is supported by B.F.'s writings. I especially liked the summaries at the end of each chapter that would emphasize the essential points of the corresponding virtue.

This is a very accessible book, and a great companion for anyone who thinks life should be more than pursuing selfish goals and satisfying petty pleasures.

Perhaps, this work is more useful in understanding B.F.'s wisdom than his autobiography, which is another great classic.

I was slightly confused as to why the book was presented to be merely a book by B.F., given that the editor has contributed quite a bit in terms of organization and explanations. Perhaps to improve the sales?

In any event, this is a great work that, I bet, will improve the perspective of anyone who reads it actively.

Great Buy
An inspiring book written by an amazing author.Ok, so he is my dad, but he didn't pay me to say any of this stuff:)

The "Right Way"
A book like this should be mandatory reading for everyone. Particularly people who represent other people's interests for a living, such as World Leaders, Presidents, Kings, etc., would find it absolutely useful; a kind of constant tool, a compass that keeps them on the right track once and again. This is a book that shows not only Franklin's wit and wisdom, but also his vulnerability, that wonderful human quality, thus making it enchanting and insightful. Buy this book, learn and practice these principles, and enjoy the new breath of fresh air you'll experience in your life.

Looking for a mental challenge? Look no further.
I saw this book one day when I was browsing Franklin Covey planners in the mall. It had been awhile since I read something not business related so I thought I'd give this a shot. I'll be honest when I tell you I enjoy a goodread but this book took me about one year to read from beginning to end.The first few chapters weren't too bad but then it got into a section abouta debate between two philosophers on the definition of virtue and why oneshould practice a virtuous life. I've never read anything that mentallystraining in my life (my degree is in Mechanical Engineering BTW). I enjoythe arts but that one section took me about a month before I could fullydigest what the philosophers were saying in the span of less than 2 pages.This one section proved so enlightening that my head hurt for about 2 daysafter I had a chance to chew on the content. If you had any doubts that thefounding forefathers of this great nation were anything but geniuses, thisshould dispell any and all myths. I must say that I even had to break outthe dictionary for some of the diction used in this book in that it wasdefinitely not your everyday conversational english. If you enjoy mentalchallenges of a higher level and your mastery of the English language isproficient enough to understand the fine nuances of sentence structure anddouble, sometimes triple meanings, I would recommend this book. If you'relooking for something a little more entertaining and easier on the mind,then definitely look somewhere else. But I will admit, when I did finallycomplete this book one year later, I actually felt a major sense ofaccomplishment. I guess that makes me just a little more virtuous? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Love Old Ben
I'm a nut for Ben franklin and this book did not disappoint. I've read lots of stuff on him and I'd rank this as among the best. Of course many of the quotes I was familiar with, but they were still presented in fine form.

If you like Franklin's wit and whimsy, this book is a keeper. ... Read more

Book Description
A new picture book with bright illustrations and easy-to-read text to introduce children to the life and times of Benjamin Franklin. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I learned that Benjamin Franklin invented and created things
Benjamin Franklin was a very interesting man. He invented the first public library, the franklin stove, bifocals, discovered that electricity and lightning came from the same force, and founded the first college. He hadthe biggest funeral in Philadelphia. ... Read more

Book Description

Selected and annotated by the author of the acclaimed Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, this collection of Franklin's writings shows why he was the bestselling author of his day and remains America's favorite Founder and wit.

As a twelve-year-old apprentice in his brother's print shop, Benjamin Franklin taught himself to be a writer by taking notes on the works of great essayists such as Addison and Steele, jumbling them up, and then trying to recreate them in his own words. By that method, he recalled in his Autobiography, he was encouraged to think he might become a "tolerable" writer. In fact, he became the best, most popular, and most influential writer in colonial America. His direct and practical prose shaped America's democratic character, and his homespun humor gave birth to the nation's unique brand of crackerbarrel wisdom.

This book collects dozens of Franklin's delight-ful essays and letters, along with a complete version of his Autobiography. It includes an introductory essay exploring Franklin's life and impact as a writer, and each piece is accompanied by a preface and notes that provide background, context, and analysis. Through the writings and the introductory essays, the reader can trace the development of Franklin's thinking, along with the birth of the nation he and his pen helped to invent.Download Description
"Selected and annotated by the author of the acclaimed Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, this collection of Franklin's writings shows why he was the bestselling author of his day and remains America's favorite Founder and wit. As a twelve-year-old apprentice in his brother's print shop, Benjamin Franklin taught himself to be a writer by taking notes on the works of great essayists such as Addison and Steele, jumbling them up, and then trying to recreate them in his own words. By that method, he recalled in his Autobiography, he was encouraged to think he might become a ""tolerable"" writer. In fact, he became the best, most popular, and most influential writer in colonial America. His direct and practical prose shaped America's democratic character, and his homespun humor gave birth to the nation's unique brand of crackerbarrel wisdom. This book collects dozens of Franklin's delight-ful essays and letters, along with a complete version of his Autobiography. It includes an introductory essay exploring Franklin's life and impact as a writer, and each piece is accompanied by a preface and notes that provide background, context, and analysis. Through the writings and the introductory essays, the reader can trace the development of Franklin's thinking, along with the birth of the nation he and his pen helped to invent. " ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book.
This is a fine selection from Franklin's writings, including the entire 'Autobiography'. All texts have been judiciously chosen by the editor, arranged in chronological order and prefaced by intelligent, concise and well written introductory notes. Franklin's importance and permanence clearly emerge from the reading.

I only wish there were more excerpts from Franklin's delightful 'Poor Richard's Almanac'. The selections presented in this edition come from the Almanacs for the years 1733, 1734, 1736, 1737, 1738 and 1739, and they barely fill 15 pages. Nonetheless they might well satisfy the reader and in any event there is plenty of rarely published letters and articles from the Pennsylvania Gazette to make up for the possible lack of material from the almanacs signed by 'Richard Saunders'.

This is the perfect book to discover Franklin and also a very good one for those who already know him, thanks to the editors insightful notes and to the opportunity to review Franklin's writings in chronological order, from a historical and biographical perspective.

The Original Diplomat
This is a great collection of the writings of Benjamin Franklin.For me, the real value here lies not so much in the fact that he was a self-made man, but in the advice he gave about connecting with people and interacting with others both from a business and from a personal point of view.His ability in that area led directly to his success (along with some luck).I wish more people read the Autobiography and other papers just for that reason alone.In the long run, that may be the greatest contribution made by Ben Franklin. ... Read more

Book Description

In the second case recorded by Benjamin Franklin's young charge and assistant Nick Handy, the great Doctor Franklin is confronted with a shocking event. While attending a mummers' play at the home of a popular merchant Roddy Fairbrass on Christmas Eve 1757, their host suddenly collapses and dies. Although the bereaved family denies it, Franklin is convinced that he has witnessed a murder. Franklin had been to the Fairbrass home one time before to investigate the report of a ghost and now believes that there must be some sinister connection between the two events. Determined to uncover the truth, the intrepid inventor and statesman, accompanied by Nick, unravels a tangled plot of intrigue and scandal while matching wits with some of London's most notorious criminal minds.

Customer Reviews (1)

Christmas in Old London
Benjamin Franklin and his young apprentice (illegitimate son) are off on another adventure in 18th c London -- this time during the Christmas season in "Benjamin Franklin and a Case of Christmas Murder."I enjoyed the mystery on several levels.First, it's an old-fashioned mystery with enough clues given for readers to try to guess the outcome.Second, the holiday traditions of stirring the pudding, decorating with greenery and Morris dancers, add an additional colorful element.And third, there are numerous references to actual people and concerns of Franklin's years in England. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Benjamin Franklin- The Autobiography and Other writings
This book was a very good choice if you would like to learn about Benjamin Franklin and his trials and tribulations. Who better to read from then the actual person themselves? I enjoyed reading his autobiography as well as all the other readings. Benjamin Franklin being the illustrious Founding Father he wrote "The Autobiography" to ensure that people had the right view of what he had done in his life, instead of the opinions of others clashing with the true hard facts. This primary documents were so compelling to read because he explained every one of his complex thoughts in such detail. My favorite selection is "The Sayings of Poor Richard" because Franklin writes out a list of quotes and saying to live by. Also after reading his autobiography, it is obvious that his personality shines through his writings. It is essential that people read some of his writings because his accomplishments are so grandiose and they were so life altering to the Americans of the colonies and the present-day Americans. People take so much for granted and we know so little about the history that laid out the path that leads our everyday lives that it is a shame if we do not try to understand our past, because from this book you learn that our past makes our present, and our present makes our future, so why not have a clearer outlook on the future? ... Read more

Book Description

"The first book to belong permanently to literature. It created a man."

-- From the Introduction

Few men could compare to Benjamin Franklin. Virtually self-taught, he excelled as an athlete, a man of letters, a printer, a scientist, a wit, an inventor, an editor, and a writer, and he was probably the most successful diplomat in American history. David Hume hailed him as the first great philosopher and great man of letters in the New World.

Written initially to guide his son, Franklin's autobiography is a lively, spellbinding account of his unique and eventful life. Stylistically his best work, it has become a classic in world literature, one to inspire and delight readers everywhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Insights from America's original innovator
Benjamin Franklin, one of history's most remarkable human beings, was born in Boston in 1706. Largely self-taught, he became a respected scientist whose experiments on electricity received international acclaim. He invented the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, bifocals, the glass harmonica, an odometer and more. He was a self-made man who became wealthy as one of America's first commercial printers. He was a respected civic activist, a leading author, a politician and a political theorist. Many of the wise maxims expressed in his immortal Poor Richard's Almanack remain relevant and routinely quoted. Franklin is considered one of America's most accomplished diplomats. He served as minister to France during the Revolutionary War. In that post, he engineered a vital political alliance with the French, winning crucial military and financial aid. We think that anyone who loves history will find this spellbinding autobiography a rare delight. Franklin was on intimate terms with many of the most famous individuals in prerevolutionary America. Indeed, he seemed to have personal dealings with virtually everyone of merit in the New World. His autobiography, written in the best of the archaic language of the time, is a literary classic. Don't deprive yourself of this singular opportunity to learn what the American colonies were like during the prerevolutionaryera, as reported by the extraordinary genius who first conceptualized the idea of the United States as an independent nation.

An Eighteenth Century Classic
This book is a kind of time machine that puts you straight into the Eighteenth Century. Benjamin Franklin comes over as a fearless and open character, although he is at pains to present himself as a solid and successful businessman in the printing industry. He is very much a man of his time. He concerns himself with God and self-improvement, then after he marries he says how glad he is that he did not catch VD from 'certain low women' beforehand. This, certainly consciously, echoes St Paul's advice on why people should marry.

Within the text are probably whole layers of meaning and allusions to contemporary events and news culture that are lost on twenty-first century readers. He is certainly working within religious and classical traditions of what an autobiography should be: a conversation with God, carried on in public? or moral examples and advice to the young.

Sometimes he is having a laugh at the autobiographical and literary form itself. For example, it is a commmonplace of Eighteenth Century Literature that you-the writer-had no intention of publishing your book until you were prevailed upon by your friends or the public. Franklin opens the second section of his autobiography with a letter purportedly from a Quaker who says that a life of Franklin would be worth even more than 'all Plutarch's Lives put together.'This must have raised a laugh in his local club, his 'junto' as he calls it.

However, within the same pages, Franklin describes, clearly with pride, how he swims from Chelsea to Blackfriars in London-which is quite a physical feat, it being two or three miles. He is also at some pains to place much of his financial success on hard work, simplicity and the avoidance of alcohol. These aspects of his life would bequite important for his Low Church readers.

Interestingly-as negative examples- he reports that his London workmates routinely down six pints of strong ale a day, both at home and in the printing office. For his contemporaries, this was unusual from the point of view of the English printers being not just drunkards, but -for his audience- very old fashioned. English people in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuroes -including babies hence the phrases 'tiny tots' 'small beer' etc.- drank beer and ale as drinking street pump water was correctly suspected to cause disease.

Here, through the implication that beer drinking is old fashioned and unhealthy, especially when compared to American coffee drinking, Franklin is presenting his American readers with the idea that-once again- the Colonies, rather than being a backwater, are more modern that their British counterparts in the Imperial Capital of London.

At the heart of his political thinking seems to be the moral rather than political idea that with moral virtue-and thus God- on your side, you are unstoppable, and sees the United States' future greatness to lie in this.
He takes pains to connect political greatness with the moral quality and education of individual citizens, laying particular emphasis on literacy, and reports with pride how he helped to establish the first lending library in the United States, in Philadelphia.

As a moralist rather than a politician, his republican beliefs do not seem as universal as, say, those of revolutionaries like Robespierre or Tom Paine. For him, the American Republic seems to be uniquely American. At one point he is pleased to report, and say that it is an aspect of his success in life that he has dined with a king, and names him as the King of Denmark. Tom Paine would never have dined with a king, unless it were to poison him!

Now the non-PC bit as bang go his green credentials. The 1726 Journal has Franklin helping to kill and eat dolphins while travelling by sea. He says they are good to eat, and regards them as fish rather than mammals.

Enjoy this book!

The Hobo Philosopher
I've just finished reading the Autobiography of Ben Franklin, and I have gotten a belly laugh out of just about every chapter. The man is hilarious. I really haven't decided whether the whole book is an outright tongue-in-cheek put-on, or that old Ben is just such a practical, unemotional fellow, that his guidelines for living a virtuous life sound like a biology professor trying to explain to a slow student how to rationally distinguish his left hand from his right.
The story of his courtship with "Miss Read", his eventual wife, I'm sure, is not something that "Miss Read" cut out of her husband's book and hid away in a trunk of loving memorabilia in an upstairs attic, along with her first love poem and a piece of her wedding cake. She was "deserving ... pitiable and a good and faithful helpmate", says Ben. And, believe it or not, she nearly lost Ben's attentions by her inability to get her parents to cough up one hundred pounds as her dowry. In fact, she did loose Ben for a good period during the negotiations, and in the interim Ben being left hot to trot explains that; "In the meantime, that hard to be governed passion of youth had harried me frequently into intrigues with low woman that fell in my way." He goes on to explain his thankfulness at not catching "distemper" or something worse.

Best how-to manual to daily living
Ben Franklin is the most amazing figure of American revolution. The essence of American life, a hero, a political figure, a self-made man, a scientist, a diplomat - turns out to be just a guy next door, a neighbor.

I got this book on audio from a local library - and spent 6.5 wonderful hours listening to a friend, a teacher, a wise man. He is entertaining - but serious at the same time, he goes into great details of his dealings with people, business partners, politicians - but is never boring.

Anyone who wants to learn how to connect with people, to become a better person, to grow a business and wealth, to be a good friend - and more -should read this book.

I would recommend an audio format if you have choices - it really turns it into a conversation with Ben Franklin.

The best
This book was written by one of the greatest writers America has produced. How could anybody not give this book 5 stars. ... Read more