The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin - Book Report/Review Example

? Book Review: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin Book Review: The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin 0. Introduction An exemplary memoir in the American’s History, Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography is one has caught the American audience over the years. Published online in the year 2006, the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin is an interesting book that revolves around the life and times of Benjamin Franklin. With the chapters organized in a way that would easily attract the reader’s attention, the author does not hesitate to bring out his informal style of conveying themes in his piece. The book can be described as an autobiographical one that explains the accomplishments of Franklin life. On the other hand, the autobiography- memoir -was previously addressed to his son William, but later on the entire aim of the book shifts. It is also warranted to argue that Franklin wrote for posterity, and was always extremely eager to give advice to all people. This can be evidenced from the fact he does shed a lot of focus on his plans for his personal development, but on the self improvement of others. To a greater extent, the reader is bound to grasp the feeling that Franklin’s major aim was to serve the good of the public (Franklin, 2006). A notable example is when he invented the Franklin stove, which is still being used by numerous people. Franklin turned down demands to patent his stove (Franklin, 2006). On the contrary, it is evident that Franklin was a master of all trades from his various jobs ranging from a postmaster to an author (Franklin, 2006). It is clear that the readers will find the book likable since Franklin has an amiable, personable and a sociable character. In one word, Franklin can be referred to as an exceptional leader. The book is without a doubt an entrancing one that will automatically glue the reader to the subsequent page, and chapter in general. This work shall endeavor to review the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by highlighting the major topics in the book. In addition, the review shall lead to a discussion of how the book is likened to the title, and how appropriate it is to be recommended to other readers. The review shall also go over the main points of the entire work, discussing the main themes. 2.0. Overview The autobiography, as a work of History, is categorized into parts, each that explain the life and times of Franklin. Throughout the sections of the book, the readers are taken via a process of an explanation of the intricacies of human life, as seen in the life of Franklin. Franklin is seen to be a wonderful person who has gone through the challenges of life just like any other normal individual. It is also palpable that after reading the chapter human beings are able to relate their lives with that of Franklin, in terms of how we aspire and always crave to attain our dreams as persons. From Franklin words, aspirations and dreams are our main motivators in life; thus, humans always endeavor towards attaining their life goals. In the first part of the Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Franklin indicates that he wrote this autobiography to his first born son, William (Franklin, 2006). This was in 1771 when he was in England. The main aim of the biography, according to Franklin (2006), was to ensure that Franklin’s ancestry would be chronicled and well known to his son. However it is vital to note that the first part has made a lot of reference to the public, despite the fact that the memoir was directed to William, Franklin’s son. Franklin (2006) argues that one cannot live life twice, and it is worth noting down the events of one’s life. The first part also gives a brief description of his life in Boston, and his passion for reading, and his training job. He runs away at the age of sixteen, as he hates his life as his brother’s worker. It is in Philadelphia that Franklin gets a job in Keimer printers. Soon after he is sent to England by the Governor Keith, but he realizes that his employer is a cheat. Later on he is to leave for America, where he secures a job from his friend Mr. Denham. After numerous challenges as an employee Franklin opts to be a businessman. He joins hands with Meredith, a former employee, and their business picks up well with them managing to print the Pennsylvania Gazette. After that, Franklin gets a contract for printing money, and also starts a club after Meredith pulls out of their business. He is later involved in the subscription library until the American Revolution ensues, and he is forced to stop writing (Franklin, 2006). The second part of the autobiography involves an epoch after the Revolutionary war, written in France in 1784. Franklin receives mail from his two friends, Abel and Benjamin, who tell how amazing Franklin is, and that he should continue writing his autobiography (Franklin, 2006). He reviews his first chapter on how the Junto managed to come up with the library system, and how he established his personal work; thus, attaining diffidence and prudence as a person. According to Franklin (2006), Franklin works to perfect his virtues on a daily basis. Though he does not attend church services, Franklin is depicted as a dedicated prayer (Franklin, 2006). In the second part, he also confesses that he shall highlight matters of religion in another piece, The Art of Virtue (Franklin, 2006). In the ending of the second part, Franklin admits that he has had issues with overcoming his pride. He also attests to the fact that he needs to work out a solution on his pride. Tracing its dates back to 1784, the third part gives an account on the times when Franklin was still in America. In this part, Franklin is keen to recount the events of his life, and shifts completely to the public as opposed to the private sphere. In reality, Franklin clearly explains what he has done for the public unlike in his personal life (Franklin, 2006). In this context, the public touches on the metropolis, state and the world in general. With his passion for doing good increasing by the day, the work gives an in depth account of Franklin’s establishments, for instance establishing schools, a library, revamping the streets, performing experiments with electricity and heat, instituting a fire department amongst others (Franklin, 2006). Apart from these developments, Franklin (2006) argues that Franklin joined the war field serving as a Colonel, attended public gatherings for the benefit of the community. Debatably, one would wind up by saying that Franklin’s struggles made life for the less fortunate more comfortable, and also gave them a chance to flourish as he did. In the very last part of the life history, the biographer takes the reader through the period of 1790. This section also gives a description of how Franklin makes continual efforts to get legislations passed, but shortly after the section of the chapter elapses (Franklin, 2006). It is obvious, in this section that the memoir concludes without stressing on the main contributions of his life to the public. From the last part, it is open to question that the book is unfinished, an aspect that leaves the reader with a lot of inquiries concerning the life of Franklin. 3.0. Review of the book I am astonished by the incompleteness of the book, though the book captures my attention. I am left with the notion that it is tasking to understand the wholeness of human life. It is suggested that one focuses on the topic of the work while interpreting the book. All the same, I recommend reading the book as the language used in the work is one that is appealing, for instance when Franklin indicates how he felt the fish smelling appetizing after shifting from being a vegan. He uses the word, ‘mayn’t you’ in a clarification of how it is not fit being a vegetarian (Franklin, 2006). He clearly demonstrates the fact that it is good to have a motive before embarking on any activity. The book is a compulsory read for historians as Franklin portrays keen insights on human nature and the blemished nature of humanity (Franklin, 2006). This can be illustrated in the instance where he indicates how he was full of lust and grew fond of her friend who was out of town, and finally managed to accustom her with his behavior (Franklin, 2006). Franklin also allows the reader have the rebirth interests and accomplishments of man at that period in history, case in point, he worked as a printer, military leader, founded a state militia, an inventor and as a politician (Franklin, 2006). Throughout the work, the reader can clearly have the notion that Franklin took advantage of the situation of America at that time to shape his life and times. At the time, America’s institutes were raw and the culture was still in its sprouting period (Franklin, 2006). It is Franklin’s willpower that helped shape America’s culture and institutions. We see Franklin spending long hours at the press, a lot of his time was also spent on discussing matters of Philosophy and politics. In the work of Franklin (2006), this is clear when Franklin indicates he was on a ‘project of moral perfection’. He is an independent person free from the influence of the British intrusion, and always managed to have his way out of any conflict that was posed on him, like in the case with the French (Franklin, 2006). From the work, Franklin not only helps the colony become a military power, but also an economically strong power. The reader will involuntarily be attracted by Franklin’s witty character, and will to instill change in the society. He is seen to seek fortune in Philadelphia, and though hungry and tired after a long journey, he does not lose hope and gets ferried in a row boat by folks (Franklin, 2006). Franklin is also mindful of his colleagues and strangers, an American virtue that advocates for blind optimism (Franklin, 2006). In the work, Franklin is forced to reduce the amount of food consumption so as to accommodate his employer Keimer, who he convinced to be a vegetarian like he was (Franklin, 2006). Franklin is also wary about his country. This attracts me to reading the book. I would also recommend the book to someone else. It is interesting to see how a person would be passionate about his country. In the course of my reading, I realize Franklin’s effort to form a militia for the defense of the country. He warns General Braddock against marching to Iroquois state to counter the French, as he wanted to save his people (Franklin, 2006). In the Revolutionary war, Franklin is almost sure of the mistrust of the British in the American armed forces. This explains his love for his motherland and how willing he would be to transform his country (Franklin, 2006). For the history students, this book is the perfect choice for the course. The memoir gives a clear description of the events that shaped American History. This can be traced from the battles in the French and Indian wars, with the contribution of General Braddock. The key moment when Franklin helped the Americans lease wagons and horses for their march is evident from the work. After the French and Indian revolt, the British retreated (Franklin, 2006). This brings a History student to an understanding of the events that shaped America till they attained the stability and sobriety that it enjoys. History entails an understanding of the past chronological events that shape a nation. Franklin writes a collection of Britain’s past and how the past shaped the current America. The American dream can be seen in Franklin’s efforts to make his life decent. Just like Franklin struggles from being a middle class citizen to a powerful man, the same case applies to America that rose from the bondage of her colonizers. This brings the historians to an understanding of the reasons behind the superiority of America. Students of History must be concerned with themes such as memory and the times that entail a recollection of the book. Through this theme, learners need to understand why Franklin wrote the piece, and the importance of reviewing the past in History. Additionally, the American dream must not be foregone. Franklin has indeed been instrumental in facilitating the realization of the American dream; thus, the learners must be in a position to explain the elements of new civilization in America as brought by Franklin. The dreams have also been realized as a result of the ambition that the author had, and how he sacrificed to achieve his dreams. Lastly, the historians must focus on the thoughts of religion that Franklin shared. It is evident that Franklin believes in the distinctiveness between belief in God and attending church services. 4.0. Conclusion Conclusively, Franklin’s autobiography is a summary of the life and times of Franklin. At the onset of the work, the memoir is in form of a letter to his son William that offers him advice. Lessons of virtue are not devoid in the work, that come in the shape of Franklin’s life and all the efforts that he undertook to live a comfortable and satisfactory life. With the tone and sober character catching the attention of the reader, it is evident that the book goes beyond a memoir. A lot of personal history and times of Franklin is described. This paper has attempted to summarize the memoir, as well as review the work, and how important and relevant it is to History students. Reference Franklin, B. (2006). Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. New York: Henry Holt and Company. Read More