Benjamin Franklin Autobiography

Benjamin Franklin Autobiography

1.

Majority of the American populace did not have easy access to books or literature in the 1730's. Print material, like books was a novelty, expensive and rare. There was no concept of public libraries. It was a luxury which only the eccentric and the clergy had the chance of pursuing. Books were out of reach of even the middle class people of that time.

It was in 1731 1st of July that Franklin and member group from the philosophical association Junto, created the “Articles of Agreement” so as to create a library. The association was involved in a variety of ideas, ranging from solving the social woes to economics to science to politics. Still they were unable  use books to settle their disputes or raise their knowledge because even counting all of them together, only a few hardbacks were able to be collected. However, they understood the potential of purchasing which when combined, Junto possessed and was able to get books for all its' members. This particular reason was why all of the members decided to pitch in 40 shillings for the library.

The members further agreed to put in 10 more shilling annually to purchase more and more books in order to maintain the fledgling library. For their motto, they chose a Latin phrase, which translates roughly as “To support the common good is divine." The company's seal was designed by Philiip Syng, the person who in the future would receive the honor creating the inkstand, on which the Constitution and Declaration were signed.

Benjamin's literary works which were a reflection of his spirit of democracy and they were immensely popular because of their content and format. The Almanac of Poor Richard, was composed about stories of a character *(fictional), who went by the name of Poor Richard. He ...