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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Kindle Edition

by Benjamin Franklin (Author), Charles William Eliot (Editor) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 3,367 ratings
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This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.
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  1. Print length
    129 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publication date
    May 16, 2012
  5. File size
    353 KB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  9. See all details
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0083Z40N2
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (May 16, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 16, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 353 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 129 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.1 4.1 out of 5 stars 3,367 ratings

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
4.1 out of 5
3,367 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Alan D. Reitman, Ph.D., MT-BC
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing to read about Benjamin Franklins' life in his own words
Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2013
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It's nothing short of awe inspiring to read Benjamin Franklins' autobiography. It illuminates first hand the courage and perseverance of an incredible historical figure. It's fascinating to learn about the people, places and texts that inspired such a genius. Dr. Franklin also makes clear some of the study, work habits and social skills that helped him not only to survive but to thrive in an extraordinary time in American history. These are lessons still applicable to todays' society.

In this autobiography, Dr. Franklin displays the most incredible feats of memory I have ever witnessed. It's astonishing to read his work as he quotes, seemingly verbatum, conversations from his earlier years. His descriptions of walking along, working and living in various streets and places in Philadelphia, made me, a Philadelphia native, feel as if I was experiencing many of the things he experienced first hand.

It's both awesome and sad to witness the genius of a mind so far ahead of it's time. Awesome because of Dr. Franklins' clarity of thought, insatiable appetite for wisdom and friendship, and spirituality born of the bond between people working toward a common goal: that of improving society for the betterment of humankind. He was also quite the healthy eater! It's sad, however, because it would have been nice to meet the man. Alas, he lived so long ago.... Also sad, that today's children are fed so many things through technology that there may never again be a reason to develop such a prodigious mind.
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Karl Janssen
4.0 out of 5 stars Healthy, wealthy, and wise
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2015
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Benjamin Franklin began writing his autobiography in 1771 for the benefit of his son William. When he died in 1790, the work was unfinished. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin was first published in France in 1791, and in England in 1793. Since then, as more material was discovered more was added to the text of subsequent editions. The editions in print today generally consist of four parts, covering Franklin’s life up to about 1758. It’s a relatively brief work—given Franklin’s extensive accomplishments—and written in a brisk, unassuming, and conversational tone. Despite its advanced age, the language is surprisingly contemporary with few awkward passages to impede modern readers. In fact, 21st century readers can still learn much from Franklin. His autobiography is not only a history lesson but also a sort of self-help book in which Franklin divulges his wisdom on life.

If you’ve ever worked in the printing industry (as I have), you’ll enjoy the book all the more. The first half of the book details his course in establishing himself as a printer and newspaper publisher in Philadelphia. Book lovers will appreciate the details Franklin provides on his founding of America’s first public library. This institution grew out of a club called the Junto which Franklin formed with several friends, to aid each other in mutual intellectual and moral improvement. Franklin is very candid about his religious views, describing himself early on as a deist, meaning he believes that God created the universe but does not interfere in the natural course of the universe. Though his views disagree with those of the prominent Christian sects of his day, he recognized the social and moral benefits of organized religion, participated in religious services, and appreciated a well-written, practical sermon.

The Autobiography is a practical sermon in and of itself, as Franklin outlines his own personal guide to the good life. He presents his plan for attaining “moral perfection,” listing 13 essential virtues, and his attempts to cultivate each of them. Though he readily admits he never achieved the perfection he sought, he avers that his life has benefited greatly from trying. And looking at his life, that’s an assertion that’s hard to dispute. Reading The Autobiography harkens one back to a time when a gentleman of a certain class, through intelligence and hard work, could literally achieve whatever he wanted in life. Opportunities abounded, and Franklin took full advantage of them. Prior to the age of specialization, he was able to excel in business, politics, philosophy, letters, and science.

Despite the great admiration I have for Franklin, even I have to admit there are some extremely yawnworthy passages here, but it’s worth slogging through them to get to the good stuff. I found Franklin’s political endeavors the least interesting, such as when he recounts certain legislative squabbles in great detail. There’s also an entire chapter on how he acquired horses and wagons at the request of the British military. Those hoping for cameos by Washington, Jefferson, and the like will be disappointed. All this took place before the Revolution, of course, and the only names likely to be recognized by history buffs are perhaps those of various British governors.

I’m sure there are more complete biographies of Franklin out there, but there’s certainly something to be said for getting one’s history straight from the horse’s mouth. Though you may not get the full story of his life, reading The Autobiography will surely give you a taste of what it might have been like to meet this remarkable man and bask in his wise and witty conversation.
19 people found this helpful
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R. Watts
5.0 out of 5 stars Should be read by every American!
Reviewed in the United States on January 31, 2016
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Being a hero of mine since childhood, I've always enjoyed reading on the topic of Benjamin Franklin as he's truly one of America's most inspirational men in the history of the country. While I'd read a similar version of this autobiography years ago, I was interested in this one as I'd understood it was left more in its original state with less editorial polish. While it does vary (in my memory) from time to time, I don't think it makes a significant difference whether you read this edition or one of the various editions that have been published elsewhere. Either way, it's a truly remarkable piece of information from American History. Written in the 18th century, you'll no doubt notice the "old English" dialect and spellings along the way, and at time, it might not flow as well, but nevertheless, take your time and you'll follow along just fine. The autobiography is divided into four sections, each written at various stages in his life. The fourth section is the briefest of the four and sadly, this autobiography hadn't seen the light of day until after Franklin had died. My understanding is that this was originally published in the French language and then translated and published in English years later. It could account for the (low) level of choppiness in the flow of reading due to the translation for publication, but that is just be guessing. All in all, this is a terrific read and should be read and enjoyed by every American to educate oneself and appreciate the beginnings of the United States.
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Top reviews from other countries

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Ghanshyam Vadher
5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book to read
Reviewed in India on August 26, 2021
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I have purchased book and read it, it is very good and to know about Benjamin's life.
Really good book to read.
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書記化
4.0 out of 5 stars あまり読んでない
Reviewed in Japan on May 24, 2017
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原書で読みたい。翻訳では普通の人でも考えることのできる内容。新盤のナポレオンヒルの成功哲学読んでるほうがまし。
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Rudy Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars Autobiography of Autobiographies
Reviewed in Canada on May 3, 2016
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Got off to a slow start but eventually picked up about 1/3 of the way along. An amazing man who wrote in the english of his time and who lived a life guided by vision and imagination.
3 people found this helpful
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Jorge Agudo Praena
5.0 out of 5 stars An amazing biography made out of a great life
Reviewed in Spain on September 14, 2016
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In addition to the important events related in this book, the way B. Franklin writes is impressive and a pleasure to read. Full of famous quotes and good advice, this book can help everybody to develop themselves and be a better person.
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Guilherme-Guiga Tatuí
5.0 out of 5 stars Um dos melhores
Reviewed in Brazil on May 21, 2014
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Sem duvida alguma um dos melhores livros que tive a oportunidade de ler. Um livro para passar de geração a geração !!
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