The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Written by Himself

Composed from Franklin's autobiography and correspondence, this three-volume 1874 publication recounts the famous American statesman's eventful and inspiring life.

Benjamin Franklin (Author), John Bigelow (Edited by)

9781108033411, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 September 2011

586 pages, 1 b/w illus.
21.6 x 14 x 3.3 cm, 0.74 kg

Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) is best known as an American revolutionary politician, but he also excelled as a printer, journalist and natural philosopher despite having little formal education. As a statesman, he was the only person to sign all three major documents of American statehood: the Declaration of Independence, the peace treaty with Britain, and the United States constitution. This three-volume set, first published in 1874, was compiled from Franklin's autobiography (covering the period up to 1857) and autobiographical passages from correspondence and other writings. Using Franklin's own words, it tells his remarkable story, which is integral to the political history of America. Franklin's account of self-discipline and motivation remains one of the most popular autobiographies of all time. Volume 1 of Franklin's Life contains his original autobiography, and also describes his experiments with lightning conductors, his opposition to the Stamp Act, and his examination before the House of Commons.

Preface
Historical sketch of the fortunes and misfortunes of the autograph MS. of Franklin's memoirs of his own life
Part I. Franklin's Outline of the Topics of his Autobiography: Autobiography of Franklin from his birth to his arrival in England as agent of the Colony of Pennsylvania (1706–57)
Part II. Continuation of the Autobiography from Franklin's Arrival in England as Agent of the Colony of Pennsylvania, in June 1757, Until the Close of his Mission There and Return to Philadelphia, in 1775: 1. Domestication and protracted illness in London
2. His reception in America
3. Jealousy of English manufacturers
4. Franklin's examination before the House of Commons (1766)
5. Franklin sends his wife a new dress on the repeal of the Stamp Act
6. The Walpole Grant again
Appendix.

Subject Areas: Colonialism & imperialism [HBTQ]