The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, 136 pages

"Blessed with enormous talent and the energy and ambition to go with them, Franklin was a statesman, author, inventor, printer, and scientist. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and later was involved in negotiating the peace treaty with Britain that ended the Revolutionary War. He also invented bifocals, a stove that is still manufactured, a water-harmonica, and the lightning rod.

Franklin's extraordinary range of interests and accomplishments are brilliantly recorded in his Autobiography, considered one of the classics of the genre. Covering his life up to his prewar stay in London as representative of the Pennsylvania Assembly, this charming self-portrait recalls Franklin's boyhood, his determination to achieve high moral standards, his work as a printer, his experiments with electricity, his political career, his experiences during the French and Indian War, and more. Related in an honest, open, unaffected style, this highly readable account offers a wonderfully intimate glimpse of the Founding Father sometimes called 'the wisest American.'" -Back Cover

Though short, this book was not necessarily a quick read. There was a lot of information, names, and places to keep track of.

Here are the things that made an impression on me as I read:

• Benjamin Franklin put a great importance on books and reading. (I felt like we had a few things in common in this area.)
• He was very good at self-evaluation and seemed to work constantly at improving himself.
• If he saw a need either for himself or his fellow man, he tried to fill it - the Junto club, the Franklin stove, the first public library, even street sweeping.
• He was honest and hard-working and because of that he was well-respected.
• He understood people.
• He learned from experience.

I thought it was interesting that he makes no mention of his married life. There's no talk of having kids, nor anything said about his relationship with his wife.

I really enjoyed this book. I wish he would have written more.