What do you think?
Library of America #37b
Autobiography / Poor Richard / Later Writings
Note: When first issued, the Library of America edition of Franklin's Writings was collected in one large volume; later, it was published as two separate volumes.
"Writing has been of Great Use to me in the Course of my Life," Benjamin Franklin said in his famous Autobiography. With characteristically calculated understatement, he attributed his enormous and varied successes to “my having learnt a little to scribble.”
This Library of America collection of Franklin’s works begins with letters sent from London (1757–1775) describing the events and diplomacy preceding the Revolutionary War. The volume also contains political satires, bagatelles, pamphlets, and letters written in Paris (1776–1785), where he represented the revolutionary United States at the court of Louis XVI, as well as his speeches given in the Constitutional Convention and other works written in Philadelphia (1785–1790), including his last published article, a searing satire against slavery.
Also included are the delightfully shrewd prefaces to Poor Richard’s Almanack (1733–1758) and their worldly, pungent maxims that have entered our American culture. Finally, the classic Autobiography, Franklin’s last word on his greatest literary creation—his own invented personality—is presented here in a new edition, completely faithful to Franklin’s manuscript.
A companion volume includes the complete “Silence Dogood” series, “Busy-Body” essays, and a generous selection of his early writings, including letters to the press, satires, and pamphlets.
"Writing has been of Great Use to me in the Course of my Life," Benjamin Franklin said in his famous Autobiography. With characteristically calculated understatement, he attributed his enormous and varied successes to “my having learnt a little to scribble.”
This Library of America collection of Franklin’s works begins with letters sent from London (1757–1775) describing the events and diplomacy preceding the Revolutionary War. The volume also contains political satires, bagatelles, pamphlets, and letters written in Paris (1776–1785), where he represented the revolutionary United States at the court of Louis XVI, as well as his speeches given in the Constitutional Convention and other works written in Philadelphia (1785–1790), including his last published article, a searing satire against slavery.
Also included are the delightfully shrewd prefaces to Poor Richard’s Almanack (1733–1758) and their worldly, pungent maxims that have entered our American culture. Finally, the classic Autobiography, Franklin’s last word on his greatest literary creation—his own invented personality—is presented here in a new edition, completely faithful to Franklin’s manuscript.
A companion volume includes the complete “Silence Dogood” series, “Busy-Body” essays, and a generous selection of his early writings, including letters to the press, satires, and pamphlets.
816 pages, Hardcover
First published October 6, 2005
About the author
Benjamin Franklin
2,754 books2,008 followersBenjamin Franklin was a writer, a philosopher, a scientist, a politician, a patriot, a Founding Father, an inventor, and publisher. He helped with the founding of the United States of America and changed the world with his discoveries about electricity. His writings such as Poor Richards' Almanac have provided wisdom for 17 years to the colonies.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 2, 2026
Okay, now I know my answer the next time anyone asks me “if I could have dinner with anyone in history, who would it be?” Duh. Benjamin Franklin. I had always heard tidbits of things here and there that made me think Ben Franklin‘s writings would resonate with me, and this summer, I finally dove in, skimming the letters, and reading Poor Richard, as well as the autobiography. Now I am obsessed and pretty much think he’s one of the greatest people that ever lived, despite some very obvious faults. My favorite thing was constantly marveling over all of the things that he invented that are now so commonplace that they seem to have always existed, such as bifocals, and the public library. My second favorite thing is his sense of humor, especially in the Poor Richard introductions, which are quite hilarious. I’ve been annoying my friends and family with Ben Franklin facts constantly – like can you believe that he invented the glass harmonica, an instrument that Mozart and Beethoven then went on to compose for? Like this guy and Mozart were contemporary, but Ben Franklin seems so modern. I mean, his writing is so readable, and he was a (sometimes) vegetarian who was really into self-help and bullet journaling. Yet he was middle-aged when Mozart was born! If I keep going with the fun facts, I’ll never stop. Hope to meet you someday in a hypothetical scenario, Ben!
February 11, 2020
Ben Franklin is completely charming. Great writer and thoughtful self examiner.
His autobiography takes you through his childhood and to the eve of Revolutionary times. Youngest of more than a dozen kids. One of the most interesting things in Franklin's account is the ability of a person in the 1700s to reinvent himself simply by moving a few miles down the road. Franklin could get blackballed from the printing industry in Boston after having a fight with his brother (to whom he was indentured!), flee as a teenager to Philadelphia, and through pure gumption and ability create a terrific name and quickly rise to prominence.
The first "part" of the autobiography was written as a letter to Franklin's son when Franklin was in his 60s. Without a doubt it is the best. Unselfconscious telling of the old man's history and thoughts on life to his son.
The latter sections were written at the tail end of Franklin's life in his 80s after a bunch of admirers begged Franklin to write more. They are a bit more overtly self-helpy and instructive in a "to young men on the best way to live your life" sort of a way. I imagine it would be tiresome if it were a modern writer--but through the age of the text, Franklin's place in history, personal quirkiness and genius, he more than pulls it off.
Early Americans are excellent to read because they were just so endlessly optimistic. The great ones were engaged in headlong attempts to better themselves and the human condition. Franklin never stopped believing he could improve himself and everyone else.
His autobiography takes you through his childhood and to the eve of Revolutionary times. Youngest of more than a dozen kids. One of the most interesting things in Franklin's account is the ability of a person in the 1700s to reinvent himself simply by moving a few miles down the road. Franklin could get blackballed from the printing industry in Boston after having a fight with his brother (to whom he was indentured!), flee as a teenager to Philadelphia, and through pure gumption and ability create a terrific name and quickly rise to prominence.
The first "part" of the autobiography was written as a letter to Franklin's son when Franklin was in his 60s. Without a doubt it is the best. Unselfconscious telling of the old man's history and thoughts on life to his son.
The latter sections were written at the tail end of Franklin's life in his 80s after a bunch of admirers begged Franklin to write more. They are a bit more overtly self-helpy and instructive in a "to young men on the best way to live your life" sort of a way. I imagine it would be tiresome if it were a modern writer--but through the age of the text, Franklin's place in history, personal quirkiness and genius, he more than pulls it off.
Early Americans are excellent to read because they were just so endlessly optimistic. The great ones were engaged in headlong attempts to better themselves and the human condition. Franklin never stopped believing he could improve himself and everyone else.
April 8, 2020
This book consists of Franklin’s own writing. It is not written by anyone else. That’s the bad and the good part. The bad is that it’s written in 18th century style, so I had to read very, very slowly. The good, of course, is that it’s a perfectly historical account of Franklin’s life and his thinking. I was amazed at how topics like freedom and government control in Franklin’s time are much the same in today’s world. Very insightful! I would give the book 5 stars for history buffs.
May 19, 2013
Out of curiosity, I decided to read the Poor Richard Almanac section. It has moderately funny prefaces, but I guess it’s mostly known for the trite sayings such as “A Penny saved is a penny earned” and its ilk.
The older I get, the more disdain I have for collections of saying and quotes, quips and nuggets of supposed wisdom. Poor Richard was not interesting enough to me to list out the contradictions that are there.
Other than his diatribes against spending money, he has a strange fascination with telling people to skip a meal. That’s a fine idea for modern Americans who could skip a few meals – myself included. But in the 18th century, I’ll bet many Americans suffered from hunger and malnutrition. I don’t get it. This seems to go too far.
Some people like inspirational sayings. If you do, these are the quintessentially homespun American source. For me, it wasn’t that interesting.
The older I get, the more disdain I have for collections of saying and quotes, quips and nuggets of supposed wisdom. Poor Richard was not interesting enough to me to list out the contradictions that are there.
Other than his diatribes against spending money, he has a strange fascination with telling people to skip a meal. That’s a fine idea for modern Americans who could skip a few meals – myself included. But in the 18th century, I’ll bet many Americans suffered from hunger and malnutrition. I don’t get it. This seems to go too far.
Some people like inspirational sayings. If you do, these are the quintessentially homespun American source. For me, it wasn’t that interesting.
June 22, 2008
Bought this to have a hrdbound copy of the Autobiography of Ben Franklin, which I've read several times in paperback. Outstanding, both for personal/professional development, and for a uniquely personal (albeit occasionally self-serving) view of early American history. Especially of note is his discussion of his lifelong effort to attain "moral perfection" through attaining the thirteen "virtues" he describes. The method he used, and recommends, is a wonderful way for anyone to build competence, strength, or knowledge. Must read, for virtually anyone!
June 6, 2008
Franklin's attempt at self-control and self-discipline are inspiring. One of the most eye-opening books about self-motivation and wanting to be a better person I've ever read. I wish there were more leaders in this country today with that kind of self-discipline. A true hero.
February 10, 2008
Benjamin Franklin was an amazing American who had numerous inventions and helped to develop the system of government that would run this country.
April 10, 2008
A great book for understanding the genesis of American thought. Franklin influences our lives in countless ways, and that idea is evident on every page of this autobiography.
October 6, 2008
Makes you feel really unaccomplished and stupid.
Currently Reading
May 21, 2009I am a huge admirer of Ben Franklin. I am always reading his writings.
May 20, 2011
A huge ego, but a very likable man. One of the Founding Fathers, Franklin's wit and wisdom propelled him upon the world scene. Very enjoyable.
October 10, 2013
Very enjoyable and entertaining. Don't let the length of the book put you off, its not a difficult read.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews