I LOVE history but the way they spoke/wrote back then make this a really tough read.

I had heard grandiose things about this book, as in, one of the greatest autobiographies in existence, etc. Well, I read it and it was good. But I wonder how great people would say it was were it not for the historical color it adds to the landscape? I mean, the writing skill is fine, in my opinion, not great. As a few other reviewers have said, it also falls far short of being definitive. It's almost like Franklin thought, "Let me write a skeletal account for an autobiography; then I'll fill in all the details and put meat on them bones." But he never seemed to get around to adding the meat.

So, okay, I liked the book but it didn't appear to me to be one of the best ever. I believe Franklin was a much greater man than we see portrayed here.

The book arrived quickly and in perfect condition. VERY pleased with everything including the price!

This book is only about 100 pages; much smaller than I expected. Also, while I expected it to be in the form of a typical autobiographical narrative, this 'autobiography' is presented by means of letters, from Benjamin Franklin to others. While it is good to learn about Benjamin Franklin and, thus, this is a valuable read, it is not an easy nor fast read. The writing is in the 'old' colonial style and not a style nor format of which I feel comfortable. However, don't pass by the opportunity to read this book for its value; just don't expect it to be more than it is.

After reading Walter Isaacson's, Ben Franklin, An American Life, the Autobiography of Ben Franklin by Benjamin Franklin was a huge disappointment. Written in the original, King's English, it is not an enjoyable read. If you want to experience the character and personality of Benjamin Franklin then read Isaacson's biography.

if this were not a land of liberty. I think every senior in high school should read this book though.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, (Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. ILLUSTRATED. Published by MobileReference (mobi))
A lot has been inferred about this great man's views of religion and politics, but letting him speak for himself has enlightened me the difference. I wonder if I am a member of that sect, "the Dunkers" that he mentioned.

Reading this book and having it available at an affordable price is a great use for the Kindle.

I often lament the fact that we as humans are constantly reinventing the wheel, and if we were to read more biographies and learn from our forebears -- we would avail ourselves of much of their wisdom and knowledge. That being the case, "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" should be considered as one of the finest and best sources of autobiographical material upon which to build.

In fact, Mr. Franklin's autobiography is considered to be one of the very first "self-help" books by some personal productivity gurus today (and often referenced by them in their works). His autobiography is really a guide to proper living, industriousness, and of obtaining wisdom -- and I think it should be required reading for anyone who wishes to overcome bad habits and obtain good ones.

In addition, his principles of obtaining wealth through hard work should be mandatory reading for many in our financial sector today who brought about such calamity to the global economy through their greed, excess and obfuscations in the housing and stock markets.

Written as a book addressed to his son, Franklin tells an interesting story of how he rose from very modest beginnings in Colonial Massachusetts -- decades before the United States even existed -- to become one of the most highly respected people of his day. It is a remarkable life that he describes, and it is to the great benefit of the reader that he interweaves into his tales many nuggets of wisdom that he has learned the hard way.

One style of his writing that I particularly enjoy -- and which in some ways models the parables of Jesus -- is that he will often offer some bit of wisdom, and then explain and reinforce that wisdom with a story from his life (or vice versa). I have found especially helpful his advice on how to avoid being argumentative, while at the same time being more persuasive. Mr. Franklin also prescribes a set of Thirteen Virtues -- of which good moral habits can be systematically obtained and incorporated into our daily lives.

I've read a few reviews that criticize the latter half of the book as meandering and less interesting than the first half. This was not the case for me, as I found the second half of the book to actually be even more interesting than the first.

Unfortunately, the autobiography ends in the 1760s -- which is well before his death or the events that led up to the formation of the U.S. However, you do get a sense of some of the reasons why the American colonists felt aggrieved by the actions of the British crown in Franklin's description of the decades prior to the American Revolution. Also, I should warn that this work was written in the 18th century, so his style of writing reflects that. It's not in any way a problem, but you might want to have a dictionary nearby for some of the less commonly used words today.

Overall, "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" is an excellent read for anyone seeking to overcome bad habits, gain wisdom, and be prosperous in life -- or for anyone interested in American history.

As Franklin scholar Ormond Seavey notes in his introduction to the "Autobiography", Benjamin Franklin's great influence on the affairs of the 18th century western world in business, politics and science was built on his skill as a "writer". The "autobiography" has been lauded by biographer Richard Amacher as "The First Great Book Written in America:". The book is an up-by-the-bootstraps story representing the fredom to create and prosper that is the essence of American morality. Franklin's background was puritan, and culturally he remained one of self-examining and self-improving. Franklin saw humans as a black slate designed for success. The famous example of Franklin's self-help ethics is what has become known as "The Art Of Virtue" in which he listed 12 qualities he aimed to possess, inter alia: (2). SILENCE: Speak not but what may benefit others or yourself, avoid trifling conversation; (4). RESOLUTION: Resolve to perform what you ought. Perform without fail what you resolve; (6). INDUSTRY: Lose no time. Be always employed in something useful. Cut off all unnecessary action. This book has had a major influence on self- help writing. Anthony Robbins recommends these questions as part of a daily success ritual. Stephen Covey makes no secret of his debt to Franklin.

I bought this book, the first book for my new Kindle 2, based on the great reviews and I was not disapointed. Humorous and wise, I amazed at his cleverness and detailed travels, his morality and his overall wisdom. This has sparked my passion for reading and learning about our country and the founders of it.

A really great journal that anyone who finds interest in American history and common sense should take the time to read. It took a little getting used to the Old English style of his prose, but eventually I found myself enjoyably wrapped up in Benjamin Franklin's extremely long winded sentences, his graceful manner and humble attitude towards his impressive collection of achievements, and this all documented before the American Revolution.

He speaks with intellectual wit and humor as he describes the characters he interacts with more colorfully than himself, again, always politely no matter the truth of it, from the embarrassing behavior of the Quakers to the rude selfishness of the British crown and army that ultimately drives them to their defeat.

His virtues, his discipline and his calm manner are all described from his learned youth as a pressman, to his forming of the Junto in adulthood and a short reluctant military leadership (yet no mention of battle, perhaps to his own relief) and his esteemed career as an Assemblyman of Philadelphia.

On a side note, however short, the Dover Thrift Edition of the book has the text packed together very tightly in the pages and can make for difficult reading. The Touchtone Edition's typesetting looks a bit easier on the eyes now that I've compared both online.

The print is small and hard to read, but the information about and by Benjamin Franklin is incredible that one man could be that involved and informative, inventive and so unique.

I have read this book myself at least twice. This book was purchased as a graduation present for a nephew. I wish someone had made me read this book at the age of 13. Franklin is quite the character. There are a lot of controversies surrounding his life, but for the purpose of instruction, I prefer to quit the debating society. This fellow is the first native born genius of record produced in this country. He may have painted a rosy picture of his life, but any of us would in an autobiography. If you want a critical examination of his life, check out some of the excellent athoritive biographies available. If you want inspiration, read this. Most inspiring are the roles that thrift and hard work played in his success and his practical approach to striving for "moral perfection".

I am buying copies for my dad, my son, my niece and my bestfriend. You can read the other reviews for more details, but this little book is surprisingly easy to read, given the time it was written. I keep quoting Ben Franklin since I read it, and I am still affected by his writing since I read the book. "What good will I do today?" as how Ben started his day, after he began keeping his virtues journal. "What good did I do today?" was how he ended his day. That practice alone could change the world, if everyone practiced it. Many other reviewers call him a deist, but Ben continually states that he believes in a supreme creator, who he prays to. He just didn't believe in the dogma and ritual of organized religion of the day. You will see that he actually sought to go to church but would be so disappointed by the sermons he ceased to attend. Perhaps he should have written sermons? Religion aside, you'll be fascinated with his Forrest Gump-like part in the eighteenth-century. Street cleaners, street lamps, "Franklin Stoves", what a practical guy he was.

This book is a must read for people of all ages. I don't know about the 'Dover Thrift Editions', I got mine at Barnes and Noble, so I suggest you check that version out. Old Ben Franklin was an amazing man, he truly was. This book is one of the best I have ever read. This is a must read for everyone! I can't believe we never read this in school! It should be a mandatory read.

Anyway, please read this book and I assure you, you will enjoy this insightful, unprecedented man. I promise you will. How there are so few men of that class today!

Well, Ben Franklin's life was not incomplete, but his autobiography is. This is partly because Franklin never intended his book for publication.

He was writing it for the benefit of his son - partly as a guide for life, and partly as a family history. Indeed, on the first page, Franklin writes that he has always enjoyed hearing stories about his ancestors, and hopes his son will be as interested to learn of his father's life. However, after Franklin's break with his son, he continues to write, but now it is for the benefit of all of his ancestors. Franklin's disagreement with his son William is just one of many details that are missing from this book.

I was always interested in Franklin and it had long been a goal of mine to read his autobiography. Had I known that the years 1758-1790 were not covered, which were probably the most important and influential of his life, I might not have read it. And that would have been a mistake.

For although the major events of the 1770s and 1780s are missing, like the American Revolution, the Treaty of Paris, and the Constitutional Convention, there is so much material about the early years of Franklin's life here that it is still a worthwhile book. Who knew Franklin was practically a champion swimmer, for example? We often think of Franklin as the elder statesman of the Founding Fathers, as indeed he was. Franklin was born 26 years before George Washington. But in this book we see Franklin as a boy and then a young man, whole periods of his life that are forgotten when one thinks of his later, great contributions.

Thankfully, Franklin documents much of it, and it makes for terrific reading. His battles with his brother, his early struggles with established religion, his bold jump to Philadelphia, and then to London, when he was still so young. He even mentions that he was a regular patron of the local prostitutes in Philadelphia! This is not something you'd see in Poor Richard's Almanac, of that I am sure.

Even though the book is lacking the major events of Franklin's later life, it is still rich in anecdotes and instruction. There is much to be learned from Ben, whether he was founding the first fire department or library, or making monetary contributions to every religious denomination in Philadelphia, or his attempts at achieving "moral perfection" - actions that demonstrated his industriousness, his tolerance, his wisdom.

Franklin was an incredibly fascinating character and he remains one of the giants of American history. You wouldn't know it from reading this autobiography, but it doesn't matter; the historians have safely documented his legacy in other books. In these pages, in his own words, you learn what made Franklin tick, what he believed in, and why. And that's more than enough.

Five stars.

The purpose of the book is difficult to pin down, primarily because Franklin never completed and cohesively tied his biography together. The purpose, it seems, is then left to the effects that it has had upon history. Although difficult to follow and often a confusing narrative, Franklin composes a portrait of the prototypical American success story, perhaps even the first. His emphasis on personal virtue and industry is a sermon not only to his son, but also to Americans throughout time, on the formula for success. His descriptions of life in the colonies and the nature of self-teaching seem to set the standard for history's view of pre-revolutionary America.

The ethics of clean living and a hearty work ethic that Franklin sought to impart upon his son are still alive as ideals of the "American dream." Although it can be argued how much of a dream this really is, the value given to hard work and personal responsibility are very much a part of the American rhetoric that is indoctrinated through political and nationalistic institutions. It seems undeniable that Franklin hoped to have a lasting effect on future generations, as he certainly did not succeed in living the virtue of humility.

While vanity certainly must play a part in the drive for any public figure to pen to paper and detail their life, part and parcel with that is the desire to be a good role model to a wide audience. Franklin seems to have prided himself on being a good role model throughout his life, from his time in England until returning to Philadelphia, assisting others in setting up businesses and becoming self-sufficient.

We can only speculate what Franklin's reasoning must have been. Indeed, it may be that assuming history will have well recorded the time period, a personal account was unnecessary. It may be that Franklin simply never finished his Autobiography and certainly intended to return to the subject. Whatever the reasons may be, this is certainly the most jarring and notable deficiency from an otherwise detailed record of the life of one of our most important statesmen.

Franklin's genius extended to many different areas. No doubt one of the most important was self - promotion .He was the first great American advertising man. And the product was hard- working honest, frugal, modest, virtuous Ben Franklin. His letter to his son is a letter to the world in which he explains and justifies himself. He also provides a kind of ' how- to- do - it ' success guide and is in this way a pioneer, an inventor of this genre also.
Franklin tells us how through hard- work, and virtue he rose from nowhere to great prominence. He perhaps does not tell us however enough about the source of his extraordinary inventiveness and energy .
The autobiography covers only a certain portion of his life does not include the work of later years including his key role in the American revolution, and his remarkable work as Ambassador .
The work is without question an American landmark and classic which for seem really defines the ' American money- making and success- obsessed society' at its best.
But the work also deliberately conceals much, and certainly does not touch upon other sides of Franklin including his not very modest behavior with the fair sex. Franklin was a far more complex character than this biography suggests. He in a sense simplified himself to make himself more saleable . So the key to the various mysteries of Franklin's life must be found in other works, not in this one.

Said to be the first work of American literature, by America's first citizen: Ben Franklin's autobiography has certainly drawn a lot of praise.

Written in several pieces, it takes his life just past his electrical experiments, ending with his ambassadorial trip to London in 1757 on behalf of the Pennsylvania Assembly to argue that the Proprietors (the descendants of William Penn) should accept a tax to fund the raising of a militia.

Ben's early life story is familiar to all, coming penniless from Boston to Philadelphia, etc. particularly these days when new Franklin biographies seem to appear almost monthly. It is an interesting book, particularly because it was written by Franklin himself. But the breathless praise that is everywhere showered upon it seems a bit over done. First of all, it's incomplete, and secondly, it's not nearly as witty as Poor Richard.

Benjamin Franklin's autobiography is the story of one man's efforts to integrate certain principles and habits - integrity, humility, fidelity, temperance, courage, justice, patience, industry, simplicity, modesty - into his life and to embed them deep within his nature. Franklin was a scientist, philosopher, statesman, inventor, educator, diplomat, politician, humorist and man of letters who led a very full life. He was also a moralist and humanitarian who was happy to be considered unconventional by doing things the way he thought they should be done. His was a life well lived and a model from which we can learn much. In the introduction we are told: "Himself a master of the motives of human conduct, Franklin did not set out to reveal himself in his autobiography. Rather, he intended to tell us (insofar as we, the nation, are the 'posterity' to whom he addressed himself) how life was to be lived, good done, and happiness achieved - how the ball was to be danced."

Franklin did not have an easy life as the tenth son of a candle maker whose education ended at the age of ten. But by hard work and careful planning he was able to retire from business at the age of forty-two and devote his time to science and politics. He was sent to England in 1764 to petition the King to end the proprietary government of the colony. Soon after the Revolution began he was sent to France to negotiate an alliance with Louis XVI. He was a member of the committee that drafted the Declaration of Independence. It is difficult to image anyone not coming away richer from reading this book.

Franklin wrote this autobiography as a letter of instruction in the ways of the world to his youthful and illegitimate son of 40. It only covers the first half or so of his incredible life, so the things that really made him well-known are not covered, but there is plenty here anyway.

Franklin recounts his family's modest life in England and the circumstances that brought them to Boston. He was among the youngest of a very large family, ultimately finding his way to Philadelphia to find work as a printer when an apprenticeship with an older brother turned sour.

We always think of Franklin as being a slightly older statesman among the Founding Fathers, when in fact he was a full generation older than Washington or Jefferson. Unlike popular perception, he was an athletic and vibrant youth, who rescued a drowning Dutch companion and taught swimming to children of London's elite.

Philadelphia in the 1720's and 1730's was a small town, never sure if it would really take off as a settlement. Franklin quickly befriended key politicians who felt Philadelphia had grown sufficiently to have a world-class print shop. He played a key role in the town's development, leading civic groups in establishing libraries, fire companies, meeting halls, and street cleaning services. Of course, he was also the consummate politician, serving in office, and networking his way to his first fortune by publishing government documents and printing the first paper currency. He also had a knack for working with the several important religious sects of that time and place, especially the pacifist Quakers, even though Franklin was a deist.

Franklin was a clever businessman. In today's lexicon, he effectively franchised across the colonies his concept of the publisher/printer who would provide both the content and the ink on paper. By age 30, he had set up his business affairs so that his printing businesses in several colonies were operated by partners and he received a share of the profits, allowing him to pursue other interests.

The autobiography is unfinished, so we don't hear his account of his pursuits of electricity, which made him as famous and well-known as Bill Gates is today, nor his thought on the Revolution. Franklin did play a key role in establishing logistical support to the British during their fight with the French in the New World. At that time and during his years in Europe, he was generally perceived as a Tory supporter.

Read this book to learn how Franklin devoted himself to self-improvement by establishing clubs, lending libraries, a sober lifestyle allowing time for study, and his methods for measuring his personal performance against metrics he had established for a proper lifestyle. One will also gather a new appreciation for the fullness, utility, and richness of the English language when put on paper by a master.

Ten years ago, I purchased the paperback and could not get past the first few chapters. Five years ago, I bought the cassette version and could not get much further. After finishing and enjoying Walter Isaacson's Franklin bio immediately prior to this third attempt, I was finally able to enjoy "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin". Fredd Wayne brings Franklin to life with what seems like a perfect portrayal. He *performs* rather than narrates.

Without the insight from Issacson, or, I suspect, from any decent biography of Franklin, the autobiography is disjointed, as he wrote different sections at different times of his life, and some time periods are eliminated completely. And it seems to have multiple personalities, struggling between the subjects of self-help, biography, history and simple meanderings and ruminations of an old man.

As a companion book - 5 stars; as a standalone - 2-3 stars