Explore the wit, wisdom, and life of Benjamin Franklin in one comprehensive edition. This collection presents Franklin’s essays—humorous, moral, and literary—along with a narrative of his life written by himself. It offers a window into the man who helped shape early American thought and letters, through both his words and his own reminiscences. This edition frames Franklin’s writings with surrounding material that restores context and tone. You’ll encounter a sequence of essays, reflections on work and virtue, and personal anecdotes that illuminate his character, influences, and place in history. It’s a welcoming entry point for readers curious about Franklin’s ideas and the era he helped define. - Read Franklin’s own voice on life, industry, and public service through a selection of his essays - See how personal memory and public achievement intertwine in a yearned-for biographical narrative - Experience editorial framing that helps situate his work within American literary and historical contexts - Discover enduring themes of self-improvement, thrift, and civic virtue that still resonate Ideal for readers of classic American writing, students of history, and anyone who enjoys thoughtful, accessible essays set against a vivid biographical backdrop.