Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is an autobiography written by Benjamin Franklin himself. It is a detailed account of his life, from his childhood in Boston to his later years as a statesman, scientist, and inventor. The book begins with Franklin's childhood, detailing his early education and his apprenticeship to his brother James, a printer. He then moves on to his time in Philadelphia, where he establishes a printing business and begins to make a name for himself in the city. He also discusses his involvement in the American Revolution, his diplomatic missions to France, and his work as a scientist and inventor. Throughout the book, Franklin reflects on his life and the lessons he has learned. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, thrift, and self-improvement, and he shares his thoughts on religion, politics, and morality. He also provides advice on how to live a successful and fulfilling life. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is an inspiring and insightful look into the life of one of America's Founding Fathers. It is a must-read for anyone interested in American history or the life of Benjamin Franklin.
By Benjamin Franklin · First published 1793 · Genre: Autobiography, Biography, Historical Fiction · 24 chapters · 64,626 words
First lines
We Americans devour eagerly any piece of writing that purports to tell us the secret of success in life; yet how often we are disappointed to find nothing but commonplace statements, or receipts that we know by heart but never follow. Most of the life stories of our famous and successful men fail to inspire because they lack the human element that makes the record real and brings the story within our grasp. While we are searching far and near for some Aladdin's Lamp to give coveted fortune, there is ready at our hand if we will only reach out and take it, like the charm in Milton's _Comus_,.
-"Unknown, and like esteemed, and the dull swain Treads on it daily with his clouted shoon;".
What this Textopian page supports
Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is listed on Textopian as a historical account by Benjamin Franklin, dated 1793 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Historical account
- Author: Benjamin Franklin
- Date: 1793 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Autobiography, Biography, Historical Fiction, Non-Fiction
- Length: 64,626 words
- Structure: 24 chapters, 469 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Similar titles
- Something Of Myself by Rudyard Kipling
- Roxana by Daniel Defoe
- Roxana The Fortunate Mistress by Daniel Defoe
- Narrative Of The Life Of Frederick Douglass An American Slave by Frederick Douglass
- Chinas Son by Da Chen
- The Forsyte Saga Part 1 The Man Of Property by John Galsworthy
Genres
- Autobiography — The title of the book is an Autobiography, indicating that this is the primary genre of the book.
- Biography — The book is a biography of Benjamin Franklin, detailing his life and accomplishments.
- Historical Fiction — The book is based on historical events and figures, and is written in a narrative style.
- Non-Fiction — The book is based on real events and figures, and is not a work of fiction.
Tags
1706-1790 · Benjamin · Biography · Franklin · Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790 · Harvard Classics · History · Statesmen · United States · account · assembly · books
Contents
- Chapter 1: Introduction
- Chapter 1: Ancestry and Early Youth in Boston
- Chapter 2: Beginning Life as a Printer
- Chapter 3: Arrival in Philadelphia
- Chapter 4: First Visit to Boston
- Chapter 5: Early Friends in Philadelphia
- Chapter 6: First Visit to London
- Chapter 7: Beginning Business in Philadelphia
- Chapter 8: Business Success and First Public Service
- Chapter 9: Plan for Attaining Moral Perfection
- Chapter 10: Poor Richard's Almanac and Other Activities
- Chapter 11: Interest in Public Affairs
- Chapter 12: Defense of the Province
- Chapter 13: Public Services and Duties (1749-1753)
- Chapter 14: Albany Plan of Union
- Chapter 15: Quarrels With the Proprietary Governors
- Chapter 16: Braddock's Expedition
- Chapter 17: Franklin's Defense of the Frontier
- Chapter 18: Scientific Experiments
- Chapter 19: Agent of Pennsylvania in London
- Chapter 1: Electrical Kite
- Chapter 2: The Way to Wealth
- Chapter 3: The Whistle
- Chapter 4: A Letter to Samuel Mather