The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

This authoritative edition of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography tells vividly the eventful and lively life of the United States Founding Father in his own words. Long revered for his ingenuity and multi-talented approach to life, Benjamin Franklin's take on the autobiographical form would be influential for future biographers. The title underwent more than a century of complex publication, with abridging of the text common - fortunately this edition derives from the well-regarded edition by P. P. Collier & Sons, which was published in New York in 1909. This work is divided into four principle parts, with the tone of each differing from the others - Franklin would compose his autobiography intermittently, stopping to write after subsequent events in his life. Such a methodology worked well: the events recorded herein are frankly and clearly accounted, with the author clearly working from memories still fresh. Although Franklin himself would opt to name his unfinished recollections of life his Memoirs, this preference was lost in the years following his death. The writings remained unfinished, but nevertheless cover many of the most interesting events of his life. Part One commences with an address to Franklin's son William, who in 1771 was serving as the Governor of New Jersey. Detailed anecdotes are given to William, ranging from recollections of childhood and his love of reading to the honing of Franklin's writing and newspaper publishing skills during his adolescence and early adulthood, and his progression and youthful ambitions through that fledgling industry. Part Two consists of a pair of letters sent to Franklin from Paris, whose authors encourage Franklin to expand and extend his autobiography. He writes this part in Paris during 1784, where he is pondering about a system of living that would allow moral perfection to be attained. A sketch of this system, complete with a daily schedule, is demonstrated to the reader. Part Three commences in August 1888 - Franklin, having returned to Philadelphia, laments that many of his papers were lost during the Revolutionary War. Nevertheless his efforts have uncovered some writings from the 1730s, consisting of contemplations upon religions. He also details some of his inventions, among them the Franklin stove, and the founding of a hospital and the paving of Philadelphia's roads and streets. We also hear military memoirs: realising conflict with the French is near, Franklin with assistance assembles a militia and is assigned command of the northwestern frontier. Franklin also mentions his experiments with electricity, and the subsequent translations of his papers on the subject being well-received except by French philosopher Abbe Nollet who takes offence at the work. Franklin offers a simple defence: that his experiments and their results can be reproduced by anyone empirically. After some political events, Franklin and his son depart for London in 1857. Part Four is very brief, covering only the period after father and son have arrived in London. A meeting with Lord Granville, who insists that the King of England is the legislator upon the colonies, is detailed. Although Franklin sets out the grievances of the American colonies, the legal representation in England delay the process for reasons of personal emnity. Ultimately, Franklin's efforts at promoting reform fail, and he is rebuked and threatened with legal action. Fascinating for their accounts of 18th century life and politics, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin stands as one of the most socially and historically valuable works of its era."