THE RISE OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN (1706--2790) from modest beginnings to a station among the most accomplished Americans of his day has long been recognized as one of the world's great success stories. This progress was the result of effort, determination, practicality and self-discipline: traits that, combined with an energetic and wide-ranging intellect, enabled Franklin to enjoy material success and social prestige while making important contributions to the public good through hisactivities as a printer, journalist, inventor, scientist, statesman, diplomatand civic leader.

 Blessed with enormous talents and the energy and ambition to go with them, Franklin was a statesman, author, inventor, printer and scientist. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and later was involved in negotiating the peace treaty with Britain that ended the Revolutionary War. He also invented bifocals, as tove that is still manufactured, a water-harmonica and the lightning rod.

 Franklin"s extraordinary range of interests and accomplishments are brilliantly recorded in his Autobiography, considered one of the classics of the genre.Covering his life up to his prewar stay in London as representative of the Pennsylvania Assembly, this charming self-portrait recalls Franklin"s boyhood, his determination to achieve high moral standards, his work as a printer, experiments with electricity, political career, experiences during the French and Indian War andmore. Related in an honest, open, unaffected style, this highly readable accountoffers a wonderfully intimate glimpse of the Founding Father sometimes called"the wisest American."

Franklin"s Outline for his Autobiography

PART ONE

PART TWO

PART THREE

PART FOUR