What is the plot of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin?

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is a self-written account of the life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. The plot follows his life from his humble beginnings as the son of a candle maker to his rise as a prominent statesman, inventor, and scholar.

The book is divided into four parts, with the first three parts completed by Franklin and the fourth part being written by someone else after his death. In the first part, Franklin outlines his family background, his childhood, and his apprenticeship as a printer. He describes his early struggles, his desire for self-improvement, and his journey to Philadelphia.

The second part focuses on Franklin's adult life in Philadelphia, where he establishes himself as a successful printer and newspaper publisher. He also delves into his intellectual pursuits, such as his passion for reading and his efforts to establish the first public library in America. Franklin also discusses his inventions and experiments, including his famous kite experiment to study electricity.

The third part delves into Franklin's involvement in public service and politics. He becomes an influential figure in colonial America, advocating for various social, political, and economic reforms. Franklin is appointed as the postmaster general for the colonies and plays a crucial role in establishing a postal system. Additionally, he participates in drafting the United States Constitution and in negotiations for the Treaty of Paris, which ended the Revolutionary War.

The fourth and final part of the autobiography, written by someone else, summarizes Franklin's accomplishments after his death. This section reflects on his legacy and the impact he had on American society.

Overall, the autobiography highlights Franklin's determination, intelligence, and his pursuit of self-improvement. It offers personal anecdotes, philosophical reflections, and practical advice on various aspects of life, making it a valuable source of insight into the mind and life of one of America's most revered figures.

11 Surprising Facts About Benjamin Franklin

1. Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was one of seventeen children in his family.


2. Although he is known as Benjamin Franklin, his full name was actually Benjamin Franklin Bache. He dropped the last name to avoid confusion with his father, who was also named Benjamin Franklin.


3. Franklin was never a president of the United States, but he served as the country's first ambassador to France and was instrumental in securing French support during the American Revolution.


4. Franklin was an inventor and is credited with inventing the lightning rod, bifocal glasses, and the Franklin stove.


5. He was a strong advocate for education and established the first public library and the University of Pennsylvania.


6. Franklin was a prolific writer and wrote anonymously under various pen names. One of his most famous works is "Poor Richard's Almanack," which contained practical advice and wisdom for everyday life.


7. He was a lover of science and conducted numerous experiments, including his famous kite experiment to demonstrate the electrical nature of lightning.


8. Franklin was a strong believer in clean energy and was an early proponent of solar power. He even designed his own solar water heater.


9. He was a polymath and had a wide range of interests. In addition to science and politics, Franklin was also a skilled musician, inventor, and printer.


10. Franklin founded the first public hospital in the United States, called Pennsylvania Hospital, which still operates today.


11. Despite being a founding father of the United States, Franklin was initially skeptical of the need for independence from Britain. However, he ultimately became a staunch supporter of the American Revolution and played a crucial role in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence.

Best books about Benjamin Franklin

1. "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" by Benjamin Franklin


2. "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" by Walter Isaacson


3. "Benjamin Franklin: Inventing America" by Thomas S. Kidd


4. "A Benjamin Franklin Reader" edited by Walter Isaacson


5. "The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin" by H.W. Brands


6. "Benjamin Franklin: An American Genius" by Brandon Marie Miller


7. "The Printer and the Preacher: Benjamin Franklin, George Whitefield, and the Surprising Friendship that Invented America" by Randy Petersen


8. "Benjamin Franklin: The Religious Life of a Founding Father" by Thomas S. Kidd


9. "Benjamin Franklin: Young Printer" by Augusta Stevenson (part of the Childhood of Famous Americans series)


10. "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis (includes a chapter on Benjamin Franklin)

Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen?
Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich.
Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.
Gern unterstützen wir dich bei deiner Podcast-Produktion.

• 00:00 Kapitel 1

Facebook

Tweet

Email

Teile diese Episode mit deinen Freunden.

RSS Feed

Apple Podcast

Spotify

Deezer

Wähle deinen Podcatcher oder kopiere den Link:
https://meinpodcast.de/reading-recap-book-summaries/feed