• The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

  • By: Benjamin Franklin
  • Narrated by: Fredd Wayne
  • Length: 6 hrs and 2 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (873 ratings)

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The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin  By  cover art

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

By: Benjamin Franklin
Narrated by: Fredd Wayne
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Publisher's summary

Ben Franklin's own lively story of his early years is a unique, fascinating, and influential look at this American founding father. It has been taught in schools as a moral tract, as a guide to self-improvement, and as the Great American Success Story. It also is relished both for its insight into colonial life and the mind of the man who most affected the development of our democratic form of government. Finally, it is savored for its language; Franklin's wit, his well-turned phrase, and his humanity shine through.
(P)1997 The Audio Partners, Inc.

What listeners say about The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Interesting

I admit, I listened to this one while I was painting a room in my house. Since it's written in first person, it was like having Ben in the room with me while I was working. I chose this book since I knew I was going to see the Ben Franklin exhibit at the Atlanta History Center, and the exhibit mirros much of the book. What an open thinker he was!

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic Listen

The reader is superb. As the book continues I can't help but feel as though Franklin himself is talking to me. It is everything an audio autobiography should be.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Indispensable!

This is one of the indispensable, core texts of U.S. History. Franklin's style is witty, clear, and plain spoken, just like the man, and if he seems to brag every once in a while, he's 100% entitled to. Vivid period details and insights that stand The test of time. The narrator is perfect for this book.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best version

What about Fredd Wayne’s performance did you like?

I have listened to other versions of BF Autobio and Mr Wayne's narration is by far the best.

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5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Worth your time

I enjoy autobiographies over biographies. What is included or excluded and how it is portrayed lends great insight to the subject.

Very enjoyable and worth listening to!

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Outstanding narration

Would you consider the audio edition of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin to be better than the print version?

Yes, because this narrator was so expressive as Ben that it was as if I was listening to the actual Benjamin Franklin telling me his story.

Which character – as performed by Fredd Wayne – was your favorite?

He WAS Benjamin Franklin.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Learned a about Franklin

Filled with details about the pre revolution days

Especially the deal with indians
Good stuff

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Franklin is Funny

While it is not all humor, I found an underlying sense of good humor in Mr. Franklin's accounts. I might think that those of our time would benefit greatly from modeling their own conduct after that of this man.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Sketch of A Singular Patriot in the Making

In his own words, which are droll and heartwarming at once, Mssr. Franklin told of his Colonial coming-of-age and adult life. Bringing to mind that Founding Fatherly discourse that have caused so many over the centuries to love him above all, save perhaps Washington.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

Okay but really not what I was looking for

Book has stories of Ben Franklin but I thought it would tell more about his steps to become a better person and this was only about 2 pages of the book. So I was disappointed.

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1 person found this helpful