The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

By: Benjamin Franklin

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

From printer's apprentice to internationally famous scientist, inventor, statesman, legislator, and diplomat, Benjamin Franklin led a most remarkable life. Seldom is history so well articulated by someone who was there.

Public Domain (P) Commuter's Library

Interesting but too choppy

Unfortunately, the book jumped around toward the end and it seemed that something was missing or it could be that I couldn't understand the context based upon the accent of the narrator.

I learned some items but not as many as I hoped that I would gain from one of the country's founding men.

Somewhat changed from the original text

The audio is brisk and nice, but somewhat altered from the original text.

Very interesting but abrupt ending!

I really enjoyed hearing the thoughts of Ben Franklin from a young boy and into adulthood. I found the ending, however, so abrupt that it caught me off guard. I think I need to listen to the 'rest of the story' now. Bottom line: very enjoyable!

Excellent Audio Book!

The speaker does an excellent duty of embodying the literature of Franklin. I recommend it for anyone wishing to get acquainted the Ben's insights.

Encore!

A MUST READ/LISTEN FOR ANY AMERICAN. You will learn about one of the most important men in our struggle for independence as well as someone who transformed his personality into one of the most pleasing of all time. A pleasing personality is part of the 'Carnegie Formula' for success, as related by Napoleon Hill. Dale Carnegie references Ben as someone who knew How to Win Friends and Influence People.

Ben Franklin's story end's abruptly. He must have intended to get back to it later, but died before finishing it. That's the only reason I was disappointed. The reader's voice is very good, but often does not pause between sentences. This is annoying, as it feels hurried, and gives you less time to mentally process.

Notwithstanding something that cannot be changed as to the former objection, and something that is minor in the latter objection - I highly recommend listening to this book.

Timeless wisdom for all ages

I completed listening to this the other day. It is well narrated by Grover Gardener and made for great listening. Unfortunately BF never finished his autobiography - this book ended in 1757, just after he traveled to London, leaving me wanting the rest of the story.

I immediately started reading "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life", written by Walter Isaacson and narrated by Nelson Runger (one of my favorite narrators). This biography frequently refers to Franklin's autobiography. I was very glad I had listened to the autobiography first since it helps me me appreciate the additional richness of detail provided by Isaacson.

You cannot help but enjoy this rendition of Benjamin Franklin's autobiography. His lessons are timeless and particularly relevant to our world today.Kicking back and listening to what you may come to feel is Franklin himself is a hoot not to be missed.

Delightful

Franklin's ego, which is mighty by every measure, is somehow completely expected and he wouldn't have been the same man without it. The dialogue, inasmuch as this is an autobiography, gives you the very real sense that you're sitting about listening to Ben spin a tale. I'm going to listen to it again just because there was so much detail in his telling.
A great experience.

Great Book !

I could listen to this over and over. Such a great story of his life. To be so young and go through so much.

A great read

I didn’t know whether or not I would enjoy this book when first picking it up, but after reading I’m delighted and overjoyed that I read such a well versed and entertaining story.

Inspirational

Franklin's autobiography is fascinating in many ways. It gives true insight into how he thought, as well as interesting tidbits about life in the 18th century American colonies. His methodical, analytical, yet practical approach to a well-rounded life could well be used as the source for the ultimate self-help book.

Also, the book is read so well by the narrator that you'll forget that it's not actually Franklin himself doing the reading. You will have to pay attention, though, due to the use of 18th century words and idioms, but it is worth it.