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The Compleated Autobiography Audiobook
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(4.01) - 104 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
Benjamin Franklin’s celebrated autobiography, published after his death, is one of the greatest autobiographies of all time—but it was incomplete. Franklin ended his life’s story in 1757, when he was only fifty-one. He lived another thirty-three full, eventful, and dramatic years, some of the most dramatic years in American history—years in which Franklin was America’s advocate in London, represented Pennsylvania in the Continental Congress, and was America’s wartime ambassador to France. During these years Franklin also helped write our nation’s Constitution and planned an American Empire that would displace the British Empire.
Franklin is one of the most fascinating of the Founding Fathers—a polymath like Jefferson, a practical statesman like Washington, and a cynic and wit beyond parallel. Now, at last, in The Compleated Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin, we finally get the rest of the story, in Franklin’s own words.
Faithfully compiled and edited from Franklin’s papers by Dr. Mark Skousen—Franklin’s descendant, acting as his devoted secretary—this is the closest we will ever get to Franklin sitting down in his study in Philadelphia, dipping quill into ink, and finishing his autobiography.
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"Surprisingly readable; not hard to get through at all. Franklin is one of those figures that you think you know, and then you read something like this and realize that you don't, not really. The only problem I had with it is that it tended to kind of...go on. "
— Rebecca (4 out of 5 stars)
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“The Compleated Autobiography retains [the] sophistication, humor, and sense of irony that made the original autobiography a classic—and is destined to create a renewed appreciation of Benjamin Franklin as an original thinker and primary figure in the founding of the United States of America.”
— National Review -
“Ferrone portrays Franklin’s intelligence and wit with an understated style that brings out a personality that continues to captivate and intrigue. Ferrone clearly enjoys ‘being’ Franklin, and listeners will be similarly engaged by this book…the next best thing to having an autobiography completed by Franklin himself.”
— AudioFile -
“Ferrone is well suited to bring an elder statesman like Franklin to life. His deep, raspy delivery conjures up a man in the final years of a full and eventful life; and the first-person narrative makes the history up-close and personal.”
— Kliatt
The Compleated Autobiography Listener Reviews
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" A superior edited compilation, from Benjamin Franklin's journals and letters, recreating the last thirty-three years of his life. It does, indeed, "compleat" the Autobiography. "
— J., 11/12/2013 -
" A wonderful compilation by Mark Skousen. Franklin's memoirs, speeches, notes, and letters were edited and arranged chronologically in an effort to complete his autobiography. Simply brilliant. "
— Joe, 6/1/2013 -
" Ok so guy had a lot of women and wasn't exactly a family man. Nobody's perfect "
— Josh, 11/25/2012 -
" Surprisingly readable; not hard to get through at all. Franklin is one of those figures that you think you know, and then you read something like this and realize that you don't, not really. The only problem I had with it is that it tended to kind of...go on. "
— Rebecca, 7/26/2012 -
" Surprisingly I really liked how Ben writes and talks about his life. Enjoyed this one. "
— Kareena, 7/22/2012 -
" I've heard a lot about Franklin, good and bad, but I wanted to read what he had to say for himself. I enjoyed it! "
— Matthew, 1/13/2012 -
" I had to read this book after my son knew more about Benjamin Franklin than I did! He read a 39 Clues book that covered many of Benjamin Franklin's inventions. Also, after seeing the movie John Adams, I wanted to read this book. "
— Joanie, 11/23/2011 -
" interesting tidbits, but boring overall... "
— Tamara, 7/15/2011 -
" Surprisingly interesting compilation of Franklin's writings to finish his unfinished autobiography - interesting insight into events leading up to rev war and peace afterwards. "
— Adam, 7/3/2011 -
" What a memory... Worth reading again regularly. "
— Voin, 5/10/2011 -
" Just starting our latest book club pick. "
— Janelle, 3/17/2011 -
" interesting tidbits, but boring overall... "
— Tamara, 12/23/2010 -
" I had to read this book after my son knew more about Benjamin Franklin than I did! He read a 39 Clues book that covered many of Benjamin Franklin's inventions. Also, after seeing the movie John Adams, I wanted to read this book. "
— Joanie, 3/5/2009 -
" A superior edited compilation, from Benjamin Franklin's journals and letters, recreating the last thirty-three years of his life. It does, indeed, "compleat" the Autobiography. "
— J., 10/17/2008 -
" Surprisingly I really liked how Ben writes and talks about his life. Enjoyed this one. "
— Kareena, 9/6/2008 -
" A wonderful compilation by Mark Skousen. Franklin's memoirs, speeches, notes, and letters were edited and arranged chronologically in an effort to complete his autobiography. Simply brilliant. "
— Joe, 1/23/2008
About Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin (1706–1790) was born in Boston, Massachusetts. He is one of the most celebrated figures in American history.
About Richard Ferrone
Richard Ferrone recorded over 150 audiobooks including thrillers, romances, science fiction, and inspirational novels. He won the prestigious Audie Award and was a finalist for four Audie Awards, including for Best Solo Male Narrator. He was named an AudioFile "Voice of the Last Century" and a "Rising and Shining Star." He earned many AudioFile Earphones Awards, including being named the 2011 Best Voice in Mystery and Suspense as well as the 2009 Best Voice in Science Fiction and Fantasy. A science fiction fan, he narrated Kim Stanley Robinson’s Mars trilogy. He also narrated works by James Patterson, Walter Mosley, John Sandford, Eric Van Lustbader, and Stuart Woods.