The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Franklin

The life of this amazing American—scientist, statesman, philosopher, businessman, civic leader—is an enduring source of inspiration. Originally Franklin wrote this work, or "family history," as an encouragement for his son, but the account of Franklin's rise from a penniless printer's apprentice to a man of world renown is a "rags-to-riches" story for all.

Related Readings

Benjamin Franklin on Writing Well—magazine article by Vanessa Dean Arnold

Report from Philadelphia, Constitutional Convention of 1787—historical narrative by Bill Moyers

Women's Work: Making Money—informative nonfiction by Linda Grant DePauw

Family Engineering—personal essay by David Sedaris

Speech for a High School Graduate—commentary by Roger Rosenblatt

from Poor Richard's Almanack—maxims by Benjamin Franklin

Study Guide (PDF)