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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Audiobook
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(3.59) - 34 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Among other things, Benjamin Franklin was a printer, philosopher, inventor, statesman, and not least, a writer. Franklin's writings span a long and distinguished career of literary, scientific, and political inquiry—the work of a man whose life lasted for nearly all of the eighteenth century and whose achievements ranged from inventing the lightning rod to publishing Poor Richard's Almanac to signing the Declaration of Independence.His autobiography captures the essence of his spirit, and in it we can see him as a product of the eighteenth-century enlightenment, a type of Yankee statesman who could use the language of Addison, Steele, Swift, and Defoe. In his autobiography, Franklin asks himself, "Who am I, how did I come to be, and why am I a human being as I am?" and he answers with the honesty, wit, and charm that have made this possibly the most famous of all autobiographies.
This isan intimate look at the life of one of American history's most notable figures.
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"This is a really amazing book, which should come as no surprise, I guess, given the author. Franklin moves from city to city, job to job, project to project, with such energy that it makes the reader feel like every moment not spent writing columns, conducting experiments, or fomenting rebellion is a moment wasted. He makes it all seem so easy--all one needs to do is wake up early and try absolutely everything. This is the kind of book that should be required reading in high school."
— Patrick (5 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“Franklin’s is one of the greatest autobiographies in literature, and towers over other autobiographies as Franklin towered over other men.”
— William Dean Howells -
“The most widely read autobiography ever written by an American. It has served many Americans as it may have served Franklin—to define what it meant, what it had meant, and what it ought to mean to be an American.”
— Edmund S. Morgan, emeritus professor of history, Yale University
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Listener Reviews
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" 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, 2/18/2014 -
" I listened to this book on CD on a roadtrip. I don't think I could have gotten through it otherwise. It's really long and boring at some parts. It had some pretty amazing ideas. I now have a ton of respect for Benjamin Franklin. He's a genius. It made we want to learn and work hard, contribute to society, write an autobiography. "
— Crystal, 2/13/2014 -
" What an interesting life. If you can look past some of his more interesting choices we could use more statesmen like old Ben. "
— Jeff, 2/8/2014 -
" There are some very interesting bits in here, but its basically two fragments of an autobiography, and it gets bogged down in his personal philosophy for long stretches. The first fragment especially provides a good illustration of American life in the first half of the 1700s. "
— Shelby, 1/27/2014 -
" we're related! Thanks to my uncle for tracing our family tree! He was an interesting man with some interesting views! "
— Deborah, 1/16/2014 -
" Benjamin Franklin puts together the story of his amazing life in this book, and makes it interesting without even having to delve into the story of the revolution. Excellent reading, great advice, and fantastic truths. "
— Jaymason, 1/14/2014 -
" A very interesting figure. He was self-educated, but the mind was amazingly clever. "
— Jenna, 1/13/2014 -
" Not the greatest thing I ever read. I plowed through it but was not overwhelmed. "
— Bonnie, 1/5/2014 -
" Not as horrible as I thought it would be! You can learn a thing or two from good ole Ben! "
— Amanda, 12/29/2013 -
" I don't feel qualified to rate this. I'm just going to give it a solid 3. "
— Stacey, 12/26/2013 -
" liar, liar, pants on fire. "
— J, 12/12/2013 -
" Interesting. Also dry. Jackie Collins and Ken Follet he wasn't. "
— Aim, 12/8/2013 -
" Fascinating bio of the early life of this ingenious man. "
— Lynda, 11/20/2013 -
" The book starts off fantastic. There are a number of gems and standards we all can live by. Then he writes closer to "his present" and the book gets bogged down by detail. Still a worthy read for anyone. "
— Alex, 11/15/2013 -
" Benjamin Franklin was kind of a jerk. Who knew? "
— Elise, 11/12/2013 -
" You can learn a lot from one of the greatest renaissance men in our nation's history. "
— Peter, 7/1/2013 -
" fun to see someone invent themselves through writing, but not a really fulfilling read. "
— Charles, 5/9/2013 -
" Interesting to hear this inventor and statesman's first hand perspectives but the colonial English makes for very tough reading. "
— Dori, 1/17/2013 -
" Enjoyed noticing the evolution of the English language and spelling. Reading it on my Kindle for free. It is a classic and therefore on the free list. Ben Franklin was an amazing person who LOVED to read! "
— Terri, 10/15/2012 -
" Poet like story telling, perfect literature "
— Selin, 5/19/2012 -
" This is a book I should have gotten around to reading years ago. Franklin was arguably the most charismatic and intelligent polymath ever to have lived. An amazing and admirable individual. "
— J., 12/26/2011 -
" What can you say about this guy? Ben Franklin was an exceptional human being. A short, enjoyable read. "
— Cameron, 12/23/2011 -
" Franklin was a fascinating man, and much of what he says is timeless. The reader of the audio version I listened to was good, but a little too monotone. I found myself nodding off every once in a while. "
— Elise, 12/4/2011 -
" A really enjoyable read. He's funny. "
— Adrian, 9/18/2011 -
" 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, 5/19/2011
About Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He is one of the most celebrated figures in American history.
About Michael Edwards
Michael Edwards is a playwright and director from Baltimore.