Benjamin Franklin was not only one of America's Founding Fathers—he was also a fascinating character who lived an exciting life. Whether carousing with prostitutes in Paris, taunting lightning bolts with kites, or founding America's first volunteer firefighting organization, Franklin was always at the center of activity. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin details this American's early years, his career, and his conflicted relationship with his son.
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"This book was really good. Franklin had some amazing insights into how a person should approach different life situations. A lot of good advice. I would recommend this as a read for high school kids or young people looking for some sound, time-tested advice on life. The only bad part of this book is that it can be a little daunting with Franklin's style of writing, kind of like one long thought that never ends at times. It felt like it took me forever to finish the book but well worth the read."
— Doreen (4 out of 5 stars)
" Sometimes it was difficult to get through, but other times was an easy read. I always knew Ben Franklin was smart, but it's only recently that I've learned just how smart and funny he was. And so real. I especially enjoyed the section where he explains how he "...conceiv'd the bold and arduous project of arriving at moral perfection." He includes a full description and even includes a sample of the charts he used. The original self-help book! "
— Barbara, 2/11/2014" It is interesting to read about his life from his point of view. The things that I remember him for are not the things that he notes as the most important or memorable. His system for self improvement was ingenious. Ben Franklin became one of my hero's after reading this book. "
— Leighann, 2/3/2014" I don't know if this is the exact book that I read. I did learn a lot about BF. He was a very religious man. He didn't think any one church was right. He was a printer and a very successful business man. He wrote some works under a different name because some people didn't like him, but accepted his work under a different name. This book didn't dwell on his discovery of electricity, but electricity was mentioned. I enjoyed learning more about him. "
— Betty, 2/3/2014" zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz. snoose--and this from a self-confessed history lover and general geek.... "
— Lisa, 1/30/2014" a few nuggets of wisdom, but otherwise an endless account of his comings and goings "
— Latika, 1/18/2014" DNF. But maybe can try again. "
— Duane, 1/17/2014" I read this about once every year or two. It's not very long so if you have a lazy day it's easy to read in one sitting. Benjamin Franklin was a true scholar, and having his life story from Franklin's point of view is really interesting. "
— Abriana, 1/16/2014" What a book on life! Ben Franklin teaches through his mistakes and successes and helps one think about how one lives in a different way. An enjoyable read, especially considering it was written so long ago. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT "
— Brentley, 1/10/2014" Finally finished. It's only 103 pages but it took me a long time to read... He is brilliant and oh so funny. At least the parts I could understand, I'm sure there were things that went over me head. :) So glad that I read it! "
— Liz, 11/13/2013" Fascinating read! I wish he had written more of his personal life and of his wife and kids. "
— Shiloah, 9/5/2013" It was fun to see what kinds of things Ben Franklin was interested. His way of thinking is unique. I love that he was always coming up with ideas to make things better, and then carrying those ideas out. He didn't wait for someone else to do it. "
— Tiffany, 7/16/2013" The story is was written at different times and put together later. As you advance in the book it becomes less friendly to an elementary reader. I found myself stopping several times to look up words. He never finished his story. All that said, I would recommend it to every American. "
— Nathan, 2/27/2013" Wish I didn't read it. "
— Alishia, 12/31/2012" Difficult to put down. I bookmarked numerous quotes. Sometimes difficult to follow as Franklin explored events in his life not chronologically, but by topic. An extraordinary insight into the life of an extraordinary self-educated man. "
— D.C., 12/15/2012" It's the reader's choice to let the sapience and nobility of BFrank to change one's life for the sake of becoming the best person they can. It's not an explicit guide to being a polymath, but it might be an essential place to start. "
— Maim, 11/28/2012" i like it, however my students hate it "
— Ken, 9/11/2012" Part I was amazing. Part II, not so much. "
— Bridget, 5/15/2012" I love Ben Franklin. This is his autobiography. It was a free book. A very interesting story of his life ion his own words. "
— GenieD, 4/14/2012" i was reading this book and i stop it because is toooooooo lo0000000000nggggggggggg "
— FeDeRmAn, 4/14/2012" I never knew he led such a grand life. It's fascinating to read what he did, more so to know that he wrote it all. "
— Santos, 3/25/2012" Insightful and entertaining. Written in the english of his day makes for some interesting reading but it definitely hits the high notes of his pre-revolutionary war lifetime. "
— Chris, 3/23/2012" This is one of the best works on how to use every single day to improve yourself. One of my favorite books! "
— Karolis, 8/30/2011" Good read an insight into a brilliant mind "
— Hal, 7/20/2011" Written in first-person, reading this book felt like I was sitting in the same room with Benjamin Franklin just listening to him tell the stories of his incredible life. Free on my kindle. "
— Becky, 6/25/2011" Quite possibly one of the most boring books I have ever read in my life. Benjamin Franklin's efforts to immortalize his heroism on paper are conceited, contradictory, and totally uninspiring at best. "
— Marina, 6/12/2011" An excellent mind and strong will. In most aspects he was a man I like to be like. "
— Sergey, 6/9/2011" Though perhaps one of the most interesting people of all time, Ben Franklin's autobiography is one of the most boring books of all time. "
— Laura, 6/7/2011" An interesting account of his life in his own words. "
— Diane, 6/5/2011" Everyone should read this! <br/> <br/>Did you know that besides discovering electricity he also founded the first library, U of Penn, the fire station and various benevolent societies? "
— Donna, 5/30/2011" It's written in the old english so it's a bit of a pain to read. I found it a bit boring, which is a shame given how amazing this homie was. "
— Danjewygros, 5/28/2011" This is most interesting. A small glimpse into his ancestry. I'm not far into the reading but there is a way that Benjamin gets your attention and wants you to learn more about him. "
— Nickie, 5/22/2011" Good read, but me and Ben, we wouldn't have been friends in his day! "
— Christina, 5/19/2011Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He is one of the most celebrated figures in American history.
Fredd Wayne’s career includes stage, film, and television performances. He is the creator and performer of Benjamin Franklin, Citizen, which he performed off Broadway and toured with throughout Europe.