Note: When first issued, the Library of America edition of Franklin's
Writings
was collected in one large volume; later, it was published as two separate volumes.
This Library of America collection of Franklin's works begins with letters sent from London (1757–1775) describing the events and diplomacy preceding the Revolutionary War. The volume also contains political satir
Note: When first issued, the Library of America edition of Franklin's
Writings
was collected in one large volume; later, it was published as two separate volumes.
This Library of America collection of Franklin's works begins with letters sent from London (1757–1775) describing the events and diplomacy preceding the Revolutionary War. The volume also contains political satires, bagatelles, pamphlets, and letters written in Paris (1776–1785), where he represented the revolutionary United States at the court of Louis XVI, as well as his speeches given in the Constitutional Convention and other works written in Philadelphia (1785–1790), including his last published article, a searing satire against slavery.
Also included are the delightfully shrewd prefaces to Poor Richard's Almanack (1733–1758) and their worldly, pungent maxims that have entered our American culture. Finally, the classic Autobiography, Franklin's last word on his greatest literary creation—his own invented personality—is presented here in a new edition, completely faithful to Franklin's manuscript.
A companion volume includes the complete "Silence Dogood" series, "Busy-Body" essays, and a generous selection of his early writings, including letters to the press, satires, and pamphlets.
J. A. Leo Lemay, editor of this volume, is professor of colonial literature at the University of Delaware. The author of numerous works on Franklin, including The Canon of Benjamin Franklin 1722–1776: New Attributions and Reconsiderations, he has edited The Oldest Revolutionary and (with P. M. Zall) The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin: A Genetic Text.
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Out of curiosity, I decided to read the Poor Richard Almanac section. It has moderately funny prefaces, but I guess it’s mostly known for the trite sayings such as “A Penny saved is a penny earned” and its ilk.
The older I get, the more disdain I have for collections of saying and quotes, quips and nuggets of supposed wisdom. Poor Richard was not interesting enough to me to list out the contradictions that are there.
Other than his diatribes against spending money, he has a strange fascination w
Out of curiosity, I decided to read the Poor Richard Almanac section. It has moderately funny prefaces, but I guess it’s mostly known for the trite sayings such as “A Penny saved is a penny earned” and its ilk.
The older I get, the more disdain I have for collections of saying and quotes, quips and nuggets of supposed wisdom. Poor Richard was not interesting enough to me to list out the contradictions that are there.
Other than his diatribes against spending money, he has a strange fascination with telling people to skip a meal. That’s a fine idea for modern Americans who could skip a few meals – myself included. But in the 18th century, I’ll bet many Americans suffered from hunger and malnutrition. I don’t get it. This seems to go too far.
Some people like inspirational sayings. If you do, these are the quintessentially homespun American source. For me, it wasn’t that interesting.
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Bought this to have a hrdbound copy of the Autobiography of Ben Franklin, which I've read several times in paperback. Outstanding, both for personal/professional development, and for a uniquely personal (albeit occasionally self-serving) view of early American history. Especially of note is his discussion of his lifelong effort to attain "moral perfection" through attaining the thirteen "virtues" he describes. The method he used, and recommends, is a wonderful way for anyone to build competence,
Bought this to have a hrdbound copy of the Autobiography of Ben Franklin, which I've read several times in paperback. Outstanding, both for personal/professional development, and for a uniquely personal (albeit occasionally self-serving) view of early American history. Especially of note is his discussion of his lifelong effort to attain "moral perfection" through attaining the thirteen "virtues" he describes. The method he used, and recommends, is a wonderful way for anyone to build competence, strength, or knowledge. Must read, for virtually anyone!
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Franklin's attempt at self-control and self-discipline are inspiring. One of the most eye-opening books about self-motivation and wanting to be a better person I've ever read. I wish there were more leaders in this country today with that kind of self-discipline. A true hero.
A great book for understanding the genesis of American thought. Franklin influences our lives in countless ways, and that idea is evident on every page of this autobiography.
Benjamin Franklin
was a writer, a philosopher, a scientist, a politician, a patriot, a Founding Father, an inventor, and publisher. He helped with the founding of the United States of America and changed the world with his discoveries about electricity. His writings such as
Poor Richards' Almanac
have provided wisdom for 17 years to the colonies.