The Autobiography and Other WritingsSignet Classic, 1961 - 352 pages Benjamin Franklin's writings represent a long career of literary, scientific, and political efforts over a lifetime which extended nearly the entire eighteenth century. Franklin's achievements range from inventing the lightning rod to publishing Poor Richard's Almanack to signing the Declaration of Independence. In his own lifetime he knew prominence not only in America but in Britain and France as well. This volume includes Franklin's reflections on such diverse questions as philosophy and religion, social status, electricity, American national characteristics, war, and the status of women. Nearly sixty years separate the earliest writings from the latest, an interval during which Franklin was continually balancing between the puritan values of his upbringing and the modern American world to which his career served as prologue. This edition provides a new text of the Autobiography, established with close reference to Franklin's original manuscript. It also includes a new transcription of the 1726 journal, and several pieces which have recently been identified as Franklin's own work. |
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Page 69
... mind having been much more improved by reading than Keimer's , I suppose it was for that reason my conversa- tion seemed to be more valued . They had me to their houses , introduced me to their friends , and showed me much civility ...
... mind having been much more improved by reading than Keimer's , I suppose it was for that reason my conversa- tion seemed to be more valued . They had me to their houses , introduced me to their friends , and showed me much civility ...
Page 211
... Minds . Thompson says , " " Tis Joy to see the human Blossoms blow , When infant Reason grows apace , and calls For ... Mind , To breathe th ' enliv'ning Spirit , and to fix The generous Purpose in the glowing Breast . " That a House be ...
... Minds . Thompson says , " " Tis Joy to see the human Blossoms blow , When infant Reason grows apace , and calls For ... Mind , To breathe th ' enliv'ning Spirit , and to fix The generous Purpose in the glowing Breast . " That a House be ...
Page 216
... Mind , which shows itself in searching for and seizing every Opportunity to serve and to oblige ; and is the ... Minds , as consisting in an Inclination join'd with an Ability to serve Mankind , one's Country , Friends and Family ; which ...
... Mind , which shows itself in searching for and seizing every Opportunity to serve and to oblige ; and is the ... Minds , as consisting in an Inclination join'd with an Ability to serve Mankind , one's Country , Friends and Family ; which ...
Contents
Introduction | 7 |
PART ONEThe Autobiography | 15 |
PART TWO Selected Writings | 182 |
Copyright | |
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Common terms and phrases
acquainted advantage affairs afterwards American American Philosophical Society appeared Art of Virtue Assembly attended Benjamin Franklin Boston brother Carl Van Doren Colonies common continued dear desire electrical electrised endeavour England expence father favour fire friends gave give glass glass harmonica Governor hand heard horses Jane Mecom JONATHAN SHIPLEY Keimer kind lately learned letter lived lodging London ment never observed occasion officers opinion paper Parliament Pennsylvania perhaps person PETER COLLINSON Philadelphia piece pleasure Poor Richard says Poor Richard's Almanack present printer printing house proposed Proprietaries province Quakers received respect sailed sect seems sent Smyth sometimes soon Stamp Act Street surprized thing thou thought thro tion took town Union Fire Company virtue waggons wise writing wrote young youth