The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
Benjamin Franklin
Read by Gary Gilberd
Franklin wrote his autobiography in the form of an extended letter to his son. While recording the events of his life, he adds instructions for good living which makes this work America’s first “How to Succeed” book. Edited by Frank Woodworth Pine (1869-1919). (Summary by Gary) (7 hr 30 min)
Chapters
Reviews
A LibriVox Listener
This is one of the great classics of American history, but it's almost ruined by the reader. He sounds like a 3rd grader reading aloud to the class for the first time, halting between words and pausing in the wrong places. He mispronounces words frequently, even 3 on 1 page. I know LibriVox depends on volunteers, but there should be some minimal standards.
Can't stand this recording
Noah F
It's so interesting listening to this recording! The reader is speaking the text, but when I listen it sounds like a different language to me. The reader is attempting to sound stoic, and giving no importance to the meaning of the words he is reading. it ends up sounding like an alien language to me and I had to give up after 10 minutes of being entirely confused
The book is a must read, the reader does not convey this.
Tony
The book lost the flow of Franklin’s writing. I think that the reader is trying his best and I have it a college try of listening. His reading adds punctuation in speaking. Read as, “Of. Which. The, following.” This flow sliced the writing, “...of which the following.” When speaking polysyllabic words, “conventicles,” does not need to be punched out when read.
wise counsel for anyone seeking improvement
AppreciativeMe
Excellent advice for living, and much wisdom imparted by a man of diligent and frugal accomplishment. The reader annunciates clearly but his pace stumbles frequently causing the listener to needs give extra attention to what is being said in order to understand some parts. The value of Franklin's insights far out weighs any shortcomings in the reading.
unlistenable
jeffvt
Very sorry, but it is so choppy, stilted,and broken that it is too much mental work to reassemble the words and simultaneously appreciate the great man's meaning. There must be many people who could read ahead and produce a fluid version worthy of the 18th century prose.
horrible audiobook
Judy
It might be a good read but the audio is terrible I couldn’t make it past the first chapter. Sorry but reading audiobooks is not your calling in life, someone else has to re-record this.
My Friend Ben
Arturo
Wow, i’m very impressed that his writing style is down to earth and plain enough to still be enjoyable today. I felt like he was having a conversation with the reader, I specially liked the little anecdote he has about the fish and why he can eat them. I won’t lie I’m a little disappointed that the book seems to end before the revolutionary war, doesn’t really touch upon the Declaration of Independence, the constitution, or the bill of rights. Although this doesn’t take away from the rest of the book since he tells you all about himself and where he came from, what form to starts, the experiences that made him who he is. I’m very pleased with the fact that even then he believed that slander and propaganda in the media was malpractice. It was even amusing to know that even Ben Franklin had trouble with the lady sometimes. Great listen the narrator does a good job, I recommend this to anyone and everyone who, especially if you live in the United States.
A LibriVox Listener
Incredible text filled with interesting tidbits of Franklin’s long and rich life. An invaluable window into the workings and culture of pre-revolutionary America. The reader, however, sounds like he’s reading it for the first time. Like high school English class when a student gets called on to read and you can tell they haven’t been following along. Amazing content though!