
Born the son of a modest Boston tailor, Franklin’s early years were marked by scarcity and hard labor. From melting tallow for candles to apprenticing as a printer, he turned necessity into opportunity, teaching himself to read, write, and think beyond the confines of his trade. His memoirs, addressed to his children, reveal a philosophy that blends practical thrift, relentless curiosity, and a belief that anyone—no matter their birth—can shape a better destiny.
The biography follows his evolution from a fledgling journalist to a pioneering inventor and civic leader. It chronicles his experiments with electricity, the creation of the first American library, and his drive to improve public welfare through education and infrastructure. Along the way, Franklin’s moral compass and inventive spirit inspire readers, offering timeless guidance on perseverance, ingenuity, and the pursuit of the common good.
Language
fr
Duration
~4 hours (284K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
2006-02-20
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1796–1884
A leading French historian of the Revolution, he paired vivid storytelling with firsthand experience of the political upheavals that shaped 19th-century France. His books helped make modern French history accessible to a wide public.
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