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)

9781108033428, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 29 September 2011

554 pages
21.6 x 3.1 x 14 cm, 0.7 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 2 of Franklin's Life describes his election as President of the American Philosophical Society and his involvement in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Alliance with France.

Part II continued: 1. The election to the new parliament
2. No taxation without representation
3. Silkworms
4. The dancer pays the piper
5. Rules for reducing a great empire to a small one
6. An edict by the King of Prussia
7. Petition of the Massachusetts Assembly for Hutchinson's recall
8. An account of the transactions relating to Governor Hutchinson's letters
9. Ministerial hostility to Franklin
10. An account of negotiations in London for effecting a reconciliation between Great Britain and the American colonies
Part III. From the Close of Franklin's Mission to England to the Close of his Mission to France (1775–85): 11. Franklin chosen delegate to the Second Continental Congress
12. Negotiations with Lord Howe for a reconciliation with the colonies
13. Franklin's mission to France
14. Recall of Silas Deane
15. New attempts to corrupt the Commissioners
16. Inception of Irish emigration to America
17. Never a good war or a bad peace.

Subject Areas: Colonialism & imperialism [HBTQ]