Benjamin Franklin

About the Author

Benjamin Franklin was born the youngest son to Josiah Franklin, a candle and soap maker, in Boston, Massachusetts. He was apprenticed to his brother, James, a printer at the age of 12, but broke his terms of service early in order to run away to Philadelphia. He began work as a printer there and, through his industriousness, became a man much esteemed for his scientific and civic works. He served in the Pennsylvania Assembly, was the U.S.’s first Postmaster General, the Minister to Sweden, the Minister to France, and the 6th President of Pennsylvania.

LitCharts guides for works by Benjamin Franklin

Explore LitCharts literature guides for works by Benjamin Franklin. Each guide includes a full summary, detailed analysis, and helpful resources for studying Benjamin Franklin's writing.

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin begins with an explanation, addressed to Franklin’s son, William Franklin, concerning why Franklin has undertaken to write his life history. He says it may b... view guide