The Life of Benjamin Franklin, Written by Himself

Benjamin Franklin (1706–90) is best known as an American revolutionary politician, but he also excelled as a printer, journalist and natural philosopher despite having little formal education. As a statesman, he was the only person to sign all three major documents of American statehood: the Declaration of Independence, the peace treaty with Britain, and the United States constitution. This three-volume set, first published in 1874, was compiled from Franklin's autobiography (covering the period up to 1857) and autobiographical passages from correspondence and other writings. Using Franklin's own words, it tells his remarkable story, which is integral to the political history of America. Franklin's account of self-discipline and motivation remains one of the most popular autobiographies of all time. Volume 2 of Franklin's Life describes his election as President of the American Philosophical Society and his involvement in drafting the Declaration of Independence and the Treaty of Alliance with France.