Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography: A Norton Critical Edition (Norton Critical Editions)

Dr. Franklin appears to have been motivated by a desire to let the rest of us know what was right in his life and what was wrong. The latter he refers to as errata and there are precious few. The man was a world renowned Scientist, a representative of our fledgling Nation abroad, lived through the Revolution and was revered in this Nation as it sought the footing, the foundation, on which it still rests. It is a more homely version, Polonius to Laertes, advice to young persons from a successful elder. Although I was hoping for more, insight into the intellectual springs of this Nation, I was not disappointed. The autobiography itself is best read before a fire, in an easy armchair, where one might imagine reflections on life lived in the 18th century largely before we became One Nation under a God in which Dr. Franklin acknowledged only a passing acquaintance.I should also mention that, although I have not completed all the reflections by other famous, and infamous persons on the Autobiography, I particularly enjoyed reading D. H. Lawrence's observations. Here is a taste taken from his opening salvo: "The Perfectibility of Man! Ah heaven, what a dreary theme!"

This book is a jewel and the man a phenomena, so much to be learned from, he gives you hope that there was and will be good in this world, by saying look at me! Look how I lived; abiding by virtue and honesty and what I have accomplished. Indeed a man to be loved and respected, it is a real loss to us that he died before completion of this book.

I have no problem with the contents. But, I would warn those without 20/20 vision, that you will probably wish for a slightly larger type font. I will be donating this copy to the library.

The Autobiagraphy was for 150 years required reading by all young students in the Usa. It still should be. The anotated critical edition cannot be be beat, by all means get yourself the slightly larger hardcover- there is more room for your own notes1but if paperback is what you need this one is the best

Ok

One of the all-time best autobiographies! Franklin is one of the great figures in American history, with an incredible range of talents and achievements in scientific discovery, technical innovation, government service, and literature.

Not at all what I expected. This was a man that was well ahead of his time. I can only imagine what he would have came up with if her were alive today.

This was the very first book I downloaded for my Kindle App on my Android phone. For anybody interested in history this was a very interesting read. Mr. Franklin created the first public library in America, so how appropriate that I downloaded the book (for free) in about 60 seconds on my PHONE)......