Benjamin Franklin was one of America’s foremost intellectuals: at one time or another, he was printer, writer, statesmen, politician, humorist, and inventor. Witty, trenchant, brilliant, and practical, Franklin was a true rags-to-riches success (or "American Dream") story. Much of his life (and mind) is known from his most beloved and important work, his Autobiography, a classic of the autobiography genre; he is also known from his Poor Richard's Almanac.
Franklin was born in 1709 in Boston to Josiah and Abiah Franklin. He was given some schooling, and was then sent to work several trades. He apprenticed with his brother James at a printing shop and displayed an aptitude for printing....
