Benjamin Franklin 
The autobiography of Benjamin Franklin 

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1771-1790) is the name given to the unfinished autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, one of the most influential founding fathers of the United States of America. Unpublished during his lifetime, the first edition of 1791 was in French and based on an imperfect transcription. Franklin’s grandson then published the book in English in 1818, but not only did he miss a portion, but he also made revisions to his grandfather’s work. Finally, in 1868, John Bigelow acquired the original manuscript and published the first accurate version, on which this edition is based. Throughout his life, Franklin was not only a politician, but also a printer, scientist and inventor.

About the author

Benjamin Franklin (1706 – 1790) was an American polymath, a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher, and political philosopher. Among the most influential intellectuals of his time, Franklin was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States; a drafter and signer of the Declaration of Independence; and the first postmaster general.