The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1791) (edit title/settings)

• Rated 5 stars

“How lucky we are that these writings still exist. For history buffs, and really, any American, Benjamin Franklin's words about his life and the American way of life during much of the 18th century is truly a precious history. He wrote his memories of his life, late in his life, to his son. I say memories as many of his papers did not survive the war(as he states), and much that he relates is from memory.

From early boyhood through the 1750's he records his thoughts of - with amazing details - the people who affected him, various writings, including some letters he still had, Indian wars, his various jobs and government offices, and important moments and events in history. He is not shy about noting his accomplishments, many that there were(lucky for us), but also the times when things did not exactly go well for him. Sadly, he died before he finished his memoirs.

It is an absorbing and a remarkably easy read. I thought I might have trouble following this great mind, but his writings are straight forward, open and candid. He touches on a great many subjects, as well as some very personal thoughts. I would have liked to read a bit more about his personal life with his family, but he only touches on this .

The Kindle edition - 2513 locations which includes an Introductory Note as well as Chief Events in Franklin's Life in chronological order. For the most part it is a pretty smooth read. There were occasionally typos, which changed words(bad, should be had), and also there are footnotes and the explanations for them appear right in the middle of a page instead of at the bottom. None of which takes away from this great history lesson and absorbing read. There are no "chapter"-type breaks or table of contents. The events flowed from year to year, event to event.”

Laurie S wrote this review Thursday, December 27, 2012.