The Story of Benjamin Franklin

This book, originally published in 1922, is part of a highly readable and enjoyable series of books, Famous Americans for Young Readers, which includes volumes on George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln, Thomas Edison, and others. These stories of statesmen, presidents, and inventors are presented to inspire students to follow their examples of courage, determination, honesty, and willingness to work. Suitable for young readers and adults.

From the book’s preface: “There is an irresistible appeal to both young and old in the figure of Benjamin Franklin. Whether we view him as the printer’s apprentice in Boston, or the man of affairs busied with many things for the advancement of his adopted town, or the simply dressed American standing before Lords and crowned heads, or as one of the drafters of the Declaration of Independence, or as an amateur scientist dabbling with electricity — in these and many another situations he seems like a personal friend. His face and form have not been obscured by the cobwebs of history.”

CONTENTS

I. The Printer’s Apprentice
II. A Runaway Boy
III. Franklin Opens His Own Shop
IV. A First Taste of Public Affairs
V. Clerk of the Assembly
VI. Electricity, and Other Things
VII. The Leading Citizen
VIII. Franklin Aids General Braddock
IX. Franklin’s First Official Visit to England
X. A Long Absence Abroad
XI. The Homecoming
XII. Franklin Tries to Stop the Stamp Act
XIII. Family Affairs
XIV. The Political Pot Boils Over
XV. Franklin’s Work in France
XVI. Closing Events of a Busy Life