
audiobook
The story opens on a bright Boston holiday when a seven‑year‑old Benjamin receives his first pocket money. Excited and nervous, he rushes into the bustling toy‑shop, dreaming of the perfect purchase, only to be captivated by another boy’s whistle and the promise of its sweet sound. This simple episode sets the stage for a lively portrait of a curious child learning the value of choice and thrift.
Written in a dialogue‑rich style, the book lets young Benjamin speak and act just as history remembers him, weaving his famous maxims into everyday scenes. Readers watch him navigate family advice, friendships, and early experiments that hint at the ingenuity that will later define his adult life. Through these early adventures, the narrative offers timeless lessons on character, responsibility, and the power of a well‑spent penny.
Full title
The Printer Boy; Or, How Benjamin Franklin Made His Mark An Example for Youth.
Language
en
Duration
~5 hours (323K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Steven Gibbs, Richard J. Shiffer and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net
Release date
2008-08-13
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
1820–1898
A 19th-century minister turned popular writer, he brought American history and moral storytelling together for young readers. His lively books on figures like Abraham Lincoln and George Washington helped shape how generations first met the nation's heroes.
View all books
by William Makepeace Thayer

by William Makepeace Thayer

by William Makepeace Thayer

by Charles William Eliot

by Benjamin Franklin

by Benjamin Franklin

by Benjamin Franklin

by Elbert Hubbard