Premium Members Get 10% Off and Earn Rewards Find Out More
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine, with notes and appendix. (Aziloth Books)

This account stands as a classic among autobiographies, a compelling and easy read about a man who, from lowly beginnings in Boston, rose to become a hugely-respected public servant, writer, scientist and inventor and who went on to play a key role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.

Franklin's autobiography, published after his death, is an unfinished collection of memoirs written over four different periods of his life. It starts in the form of a letter to his son, William, and describes aspects of his childhood in Boston in the early 1700s and his move to Philadelphia where he set up a successful printing business. The many contributions he made to public causes grew out of a strong sense of civic duty, and a stringent work ethic that formed part of his "plan for attaining moral perfection", which is detailed in the second period. The last two sections cover his impressive political and scientific work and give the reader an insight into the developing tensions between the American colonies and the British crown.

A polymath of immense standing, Benjamin Franklin stands out as one of the most highly esteemed figures of the eighteenth century.

1127988482
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine, with notes and appendix. (Aziloth Books)

This account stands as a classic among autobiographies, a compelling and easy read about a man who, from lowly beginnings in Boston, rose to become a hugely-respected public servant, writer, scientist and inventor and who went on to play a key role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.

Franklin's autobiography, published after his death, is an unfinished collection of memoirs written over four different periods of his life. It starts in the form of a letter to his son, William, and describes aspects of his childhood in Boston in the early 1700s and his move to Philadelphia where he set up a successful printing business. The many contributions he made to public causes grew out of a strong sense of civic duty, and a stringent work ethic that formed part of his "plan for attaining moral perfection", which is detailed in the second period. The last two sections cover his impressive political and scientific work and give the reader an insight into the developing tensions between the American colonies and the British crown.

A polymath of immense standing, Benjamin Franklin stands out as one of the most highly esteemed figures of the eighteenth century.

10.25 In Stock
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine, with notes and appendix. (Aziloth Books)

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine, with notes and appendix. (Aziloth Books)

by Benjamin Franklin
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine, with notes and appendix. (Aziloth Books)

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine, with notes and appendix. (Aziloth Books)

by Benjamin Franklin

Overview

This account stands as a classic among autobiographies, a compelling and easy read about a man who, from lowly beginnings in Boston, rose to become a hugely-respected public servant, writer, scientist and inventor and who went on to play a key role in the American Revolution and the founding of the United States.

Franklin's autobiography, published after his death, is an unfinished collection of memoirs written over four different periods of his life. It starts in the form of a letter to his son, William, and describes aspects of his childhood in Boston in the early 1700s and his move to Philadelphia where he set up a successful printing business. The many contributions he made to public causes grew out of a strong sense of civic duty, and a stringent work ethic that formed part of his "plan for attaining moral perfection", which is detailed in the second period. The last two sections cover his impressive political and scientific work and give the reader an insight into the developing tensions between the American colonies and the British crown.

A polymath of immense standing, Benjamin Franklin stands out as one of the most highly esteemed figures of the eighteenth century.

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781911405573
Publisher: Aziloth Books
Publication date: 02/09/2018
Pages: 156
Product dimensions: 6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.33(d)

About the Author

American statesman, philosopher, and writer, was one of a numerous family. His father was a soap-boiler at Boston, where Franklin was born. He was apprenticed at the age of 13 to his brother, a printer, who treated him harshly. After various changes, during which he lived in New York, London, and Philadelphia, he at last succeeded in founding a successful business as a printer. He also started a newspaper, The Gazette, which was highly popular, Poor Richard's Almanac, and the Busybody Papers, in imitation of the Spectator. After holding various minor appointments, he was made deputy Postmaster-General for the American Colonies. In 1757 he went to London on some public business in which he was so successful that various colonies appointed him their English agent. In the midst of his varied avocations he found time for scientific investigation, especially with regard to electricity. For these he became known over the civilised world, and was loaded with honours. In 1762 he returned to America, and took a prominent part in the controversies which led to the Revolutionary War and the independence of the Colonies. In 1776 he was U.S. Minister to France, and in 1782 was a signatory of the treaty which confirmed the independence of the States. He returned home in 1785, and, after holding various political offices, retired in 1788, and died in 1790. His autobiography is his chief contribution to literature, and is of the highest interest. [From A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature by John W. Cousin, 1910]

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION by Frank Woodworth Pine 4

THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN


  1. Ancestry and Early Youth in Boston 10
  2. Beginning Life as a Printer 18
  3. Arrival in Philadelphia 25
  4. First Visit to Boston 30
  5. Early Friends in Philadelphia 36
  6. First Visit to London 39
  7. Beginning Business in Philadelphia 48
  8. Business Success and First Public Service 59
  9. Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection 67
  10. Poor Richard’s Almanac and Other Activities 77
  11. Interest in Public Affairs 83
  12. Defense of the Province 88
  13. Public services and duties (1749-1753) 94
  14. Albany Plan of Union 103
  15. Quarrels with the Proprietary Governors 105
  16. Braddock’s Expedition 108
  17. Franklin’s Defense of the Frontier 116


XVIII. Scientific Experiments 122



  1. Agent of Pennsylvania in London 125


APPENDIX

Electrical Kite 138

The Way to Wealth 139

The Whistle 141

A Letter to Samuel Mather 143

BIBLIOGRAPHY 144

CHIEF EVENTS IN FRANKLIN’S LIFE 147

(by Charles W. Elliot, editor, 1909 ed.,

P. F. Collier & Son Co., New York)

Benjamin Franklin’s Epitaph 150

From the B&N Reads Blog
Page 1 of

Customer Reviews