The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

A classic of eighteenth-century American history and literature, Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography has had an influence perhaps unequaled by any other book by an American writer. Written ostensibly as a letter to his son William, Franklin's Autobiography offers his reflections on philosophy and religion, politics, war, education, material success, and the status of women.

Endorsements

“The best and most beautiful edition [of the Autobiography].” — J. H. Plumb, New York Review of Books

“Among the many editions available—read Yale's. Its text is the most reliable (the Franklin papers are at Yale) and its supplementary material is uniformly useful.” — Jonathan Yardley, Washington Post