The Compleated Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin

By: Mark Skousen

Narrated by: Richard Ferrone

Benjamin Franklin's autobiography is one of the greatest autobiographies of all time, but it was incomplete. Franklin ended his life's story in 1757, when he was 51. He lived another 33 eventful years, serving as America's advocate in London, Pennsylvania's representative in the Continental Congress, and America's wartime ambassador to France. Now, at last, we get the rest of the story, in Franklin's own words.

One of the most fascinating of our Founding Fathers, Franklin was a polymath, a practical statesman, and an incomparable cynic and wit. The Compleated Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin, faithfully compiled and edited from Franklin's papers, reveals why he became a spokesman for American independence; his views on the Constitution; what he really thought of his fellow patriots, like Adams and Jefferson; his candid views on French women, the Penn family, and his own faith; and much more.

©2006 Mark Skousen (P)2006 Blackstone Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"The Compleated Autobiography retains [the] sophistication, humor, and sense of irony that made the original autobiography a classic, and is destined to create a renewed appreciation of Benjamin Franklin." (National Review)

interesting, starts late in his life

Reads like a diary. Starts in his time as minister to France up to his death. Feels like this is volume 2 and there should be a volume 1 out there.
Typical Franklin, funny, to the point, a bit naughty.
A very good book if you want to see how Franklin worked as a politician.

should be required listening by all Americans

a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable first hand report on one of America's most consequential founding fathers

fantastic peak into BFs years as a diplomat

Narration was great! The stories were compeling. the use of personal correspondence is brilliant and definitely helps you step into BFs way of considering his actions and the actions of others.

Fascinating!

I have always had great respect for Benjamin Franklin but after this audio book biography my love & respect for the man & his intellect, vision & kindheartedness has grown a thousand fold! I love the man & have now added visiting his gravesite to pay my respects to my bucket list. Mark Skousen’s narration transports you into the 18th century & you can almost imagine being there. Truly fascinating!

Facinating!

I was expecting more of a history lesson about ole B. Franklin, but this book delves into his thinking and insights and reveals a facinating revolutionary hero who had common sense and vision to see things how they should be. We could only wish someone like him would bring common sense to dealing with public problems. This books reveals his character and gives you a prespective of live in the 1700s. Great for critical thinking students!