ddxv's review against another edition
4.0
I think what spoke to me most reading Franklin's autobiography was his narrative voice. I enjoyed learning his simple style of dealing with problems that could easily be conceived of as complex. Two of the best examples were certainly his interest in the cleaning and lighting of streets. Though it doesn't sound captivating, it truly was wonderful to read his joy of solving problems for the sake of everyone. I completely enjoyed reading his autobiography, and would highly recommend it to anyone.
nicolekt's review against another edition
2.0
This is book #4 on my 100 most influential book scratch off poster, and scratching off this book is the only reason I would ever have selected it, as I’m not American and not particularly interested in history. I did discover a little known fact about Benjamin Franklin, he really liked the comma. Between the eighteenth century language and excessive use of commas over other acceptable forms of punctuation, I often forgot what the sentence was about by the time I got to the end of it. I have included a single sentence from page 41 below which I believe illustrates my point.
“Revelation had indeed no weight with me, as such; but I entertain'd an opinion that, though certain actions might not be bad because they were forbidden by it, or good because it commanded them, yet probably these actions might be forbidden because they were bad for us, or commanded because they were beneficial to us, in their own natures, all the circumstances of things considered.”
That aside, it is impressive some of the things that he accomplished, probably more so if you are American.
“Revelation had indeed no weight with me, as such; but I entertain'd an opinion that, though certain actions might not be bad because they were forbidden by it, or good because it commanded them, yet probably these actions might be forbidden because they were bad for us, or commanded because they were beneficial to us, in their own natures, all the circumstances of things considered.”
That aside, it is impressive some of the things that he accomplished, probably more so if you are American.
macreader's review against another edition
Interesting, as I am learning about all he had to do in founding our country.
csummer74's review against another edition
From a distance Franklin is enjoyable, but I bet he was tough to be around in person.
elena_renee's review against another edition
1.0
so annoying and self-righteous. barely any mentions of his secret orgy parties
rbsdvm's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed learning more about Ben Franklin's upbringing and foundational background, but somehow the book felt truncated to me.
crystall_library's review against another edition
Read for 18th Century Literature class, Spring 2021
fmcculley's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.5