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Anonymous
Posted December 31, 2000
I wholeheartedly recommend this version above all others. In November 1786, Franklin sent copies of his autobiography to friends in England and France. Through the centuries since, many editions have been appeared based on translations and interpretations of those copies, but this is the only one that is drawn 'with scrupulous care from the original manuscript in Franklin's handwriting.' The editors of THE PAPERS OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (seven volumes) prepared this edition of the autobiography, as well as the insightful introduction, notes, and index. This is the first edition to have a full index. I found the chapter notes citing events, identifying individuals, and explaining Franklin's references to be extremely helpful and of great interest. Also, the notes are conveniently located at the bottom of each page - a very nice feature. A thorough chronology of Ben's life, brief biographies of 187 people to whom he refers, letters, notes by Franklin and the editors, and the complete index all enrich this superb edition. If you want to read Benjamin Franklin's actual sentiments, this is the version who seek. If you want an edition fleshed out and enriched by professionals who have expertise, understanding, and knowledge of Franklin's life, this is the very version you seek. It is my hope that you will enjoy this edition of the AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN as much as I did. Even if you, as I had, have read other editions you will find reading this one a new, enlightening experience. Five stars and bravo!
20 out of 21 people found this review helpful.
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Posted October 25, 2007
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 prerevolutionary era, as reported by the extraordinary genius who first conceptualized the idea of the United States as an independent nation.
7 out of 9 people found this review helpful.
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Posted July 6, 2010
Benjamin Franklin is one of the more inspiring individuals in the history of the US. Reading through this autobiography, it becomes apparent that he was a true "self-made" man. He gives account of his achievements as well as his shortcomings and provides insight regarding how he grew (or failed to grow) from each.
This is not a volume of hardcore history. At most, it will provide some context to Franklin's actions leading up to and during the American Revolution by revealing where he came from.
Personally, I found this book a motivator for personal growth and responsibility. Franklin led his life taking full responsibility for his actions - successes and failures alike. In my opinion, his example and way of living is a lesson the we as a people would do well to relearn.
5 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted June 24, 2002
In 1996, along with several friends I formed a group patterned after Franklin's junto, after learning about it in a Training Magazine article that cited Franklin's original group as an example of the best principles of modern self-directed learning. Since then, I've developed a strong interest in Franklin, and very much agree that this is the best edition of his biography, perhaps the most helpful book ever written about how to start, live, and finish a successful career as an entrepreneur and citizen. The footnotes in this edition are excellent, containing very good information about Franklin's junto, and I hope it never goes out of print. It should be on the bookshelf of every small business owner and entrepreneur.
5 out of 6 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Albeit Benjamin Franklin is a staple in American history, I'd never read more about him than what those few, short paragraphs school texts provide. It's a hard read for the laymen; the writing style is something of a "chew-through," if you catch my meaning (though I personally enjoyed the difficulty). I recommened this book to anybody questioning the value of hard work, ingenuity, vigor, stamina, and resilience. Benjamin Franklin is THE representation of our heritage, the figure to whom a great many turn when inquiring into our country's origin. Who better to illustrate it, then, than the man himself?
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 20, 2010
this is a very good book has a lot of information on him from a child to an adult. He was Extremely deticated to almost everything he did, which you dont see much anymore. He worked very hard and this book showed this. It's hard to believe he retired at 45... wow. This book tought me a lot about him, before reading it i really only knew he made electricity. I didnt know that he did all kinds of other things and also did not know of the process that he took to find it. If you ask me we have Dr. Spencer to thank as much as we do Benjamin Franklin.
4 out of 5 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 15, 2000
I was sorry that there wasn't more when I finished. I could easily have kept on reading.
4 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted May 9, 2012
The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin effectively allows the reader to follow the journey of Franklin and offers us a better perspective on just how impressive this man was. The autobiography itself is broken into the three distinct sections and as expected break up the different parts of Franklin’s life. The first section establishes the major theme of the book- self betterment. It additionally gives background information on the family ancestry of Franklin and his own family during his youth. It also tracks the earlier life of Franklin, in particular his work with printers and full of criticism for his boss at the time. It begins the development of Franklin as a great writer and one who produces his work. Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts of the book was part three as he discusses and goes into detail his life as a scientist and the inventions he created in his life.
The biography is truly demonstrative of Franklin’s humor and philosophical beliefs that matured throughout his life. His writings take on an aspect of appreciating the better sides of humanity. While the language he uses may be a bit confusing, or at least seem a bit daunting, Franklin is still able to communicate his effective messages throughout the work. What was particularly refreshing was the absence of detail on the revolution, it allowed us to establish a better connection with his personality and ultimately feel closer to him.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 20, 2012
OCR errors.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted March 15, 2012
Many words difficult to understand, since unintelligible symbols were often included. Copy relatively poor. Hoping to find a better version.
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 29, 2012
The NOOK format of this book is impossible to read. The authors notes interupt Franklin's writings mid-sentance and can go on for pages. If it wasn't free I'd demand my money back.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted November 29, 2011
This book is good but his some typos in it. One of the best book on him I have read so far out of three I have read on him.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.This is an amazing account of Benjamin Franklin in his own words. He was an absolutely amazing man. He accomplished so much in his life and he gave us so much that he is one of the greatest of our Founding Fathers. He was so far ahead of his time and incredibly intelligent for his time. This should be required reading in our schools.
2 out of 4 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 18, 2013
Looks good so far
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 14, 2013
This book is awesome!
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted December 11, 2012
Threre are 389 pages
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted February 29, 2012
How many pgs
1 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 20, 2012
This book has much to say in dealing with different people. It is benjamin franklin telling his story and he tells what he has learned in his lifetime what he would recommend for a young man to do just starting out in life, to business, adventures on the sea and providing for a family. It is simply amazing and inspiring. I give this a high recommendation. You must read this book to help you get an idea for a sucessful life, or just finding a great read.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 5, 2012
I wanft to read it
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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Posted January 1, 2012
This is such a long book long words and such if you think you are smart you should try your hand at this book.
1 out of 3 people found this review helpful.
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