Wit and Wisdom from Poor Richard's Almanack

In 1733 Benjamin Franklin released the first Poor Richard's Almanac. He was by no means famous when it appeared. Another twenty years would pass before his electrical experiments brought him worldwide attention. But some Philadelphians knew Franklin as a dedicated printer and public servant. Regardless, Franklin needed a marketing gimmick to gain a percentage of the crowded almanac market. This bold trick involved his main competitor, Titan Leeds. On the inside cover Franklin (writing as "Richard Saunders" or "Poor Richard") predicted Leed's death in October of that same year. It worked. The "scandal" spread throughout Philadelphia and sales of "Poor Richard's Almanack" skyrocketed. Leeds did not die, of course, as predicted but Franklin (Saunders) hilariously stood his ground in future issues. This very slim volume, reproduced to scale, also contains some of Franklin's best known sayings. "Eat to live, and not live to eat" lies buried in the grid for the month of May. Dozens more phrases peek out from the text, including "He's a Fool that makes his Doctor his Heir", "Hunger never saw bad bread", "Beware of meat twice boil'd & an old foe reconcil'd", "He that lies down with dogs, shall rise up with fleas". Of course Franklin didn't pen many of these phrases, but he cleverly aligned them for his own purpose. A lot of history sits in these fourteen pages. Vestiges of astronomy and 18th century thought fill up each page. This almanac served many purposes. Its pages list the year's eclipses, court schedules, Quaker meetings, planetary motions, and "A Chronology of Things Remarkable". Another page lists the distance between towns. Franklin also included a list of kings (listing Saunders as "an American Prince, without Subjects, his Wife being Viceroy over him"). Entertainment was also on the menu. With this volume Franklin's true fame begins. Though Poor Richard didn't outsell all other almanacs at the time, it maintained a special status with its audience. Franklin retired Saunders in 1758. He had quit the printing business years before and, thanks to his illustrious reputation, dragged into politics. As Poor Richard faded Franklin entered the world stage. His life then followed the progression of the American Revolution. This small pamphlet demonstrates Franklin's timelessness. His publicity stunts and pithy sayings still resonate today. Franklin helped create America, and Poor Richard marks just one phase of his fascinating life. Surprisingly, only a single copy of the original 1733 almanac survived (according to the incredible Franklin Tercentenary exhibit which displayed the rare specimen). This reproduction faithfully presents Franklin's first almanac as printed by him. Fans of Benjamin Franklin or American history buffs should definitely pick one up.

Franklin's timeless compilation of whit and wisdom is truly a classic. The book contains some of the most interesting and impressive collection of comments that Franklin was able to put in this compendium. While many are ascribed to Franklin, he specifically does not take credit for the adages himself. Rather, he indicates that they are commonly utilized comments and expressions of the vernacular. The individual enticements cover all areas of thought and society. He was able to capture these moments of brilliance and publish them so that they are available for all time. Such common phrases and expressions are recognizable to most readers. When Franklin says, "You can bear your own Faults, and why not a Fault in your Wife?" the reader sees these as aphorisms that are applicable as well in 2006 as they were when he published them back in the 18th Century. While Franklin may not have penned all these witticisms personally, he surely did massage them through his brilliant mind. Such comments as "Time is an herb that cures all diseases" and "Better slip with Foot than Tongue" are metaphors that all could have come up with, but Franklin was the one who wrote them down for all time. In fact, the reader can open virtually any page in the book and find something that is applicable to whatever situation is at hand. The book is an essential part of all reader's libraries. It is recommended for every and all serious readers.

Franklin is the American Merlin. He is scientist, sage, and savant. This book is a collocation of his proverbs from "Poor Richard's Almanac." It reads like a typical quote book, but it goes deeper. Franklin has wisdom tempered with humor and a gift for coining gold phrases. I recommend it for any fan of Covey's "Seven Habits" or Allen's "As A Man Thinketh." You return to the ancient virtues that made those ancient so interesting.One of the gems in this books is the list of Franklins personal virtues. Both Steven Covey and Hyrum M. Smith of Franklin Planners based their research in this plan for perfection. Get your children inculcated with these virtues of an authentic genius and patriot. They and we need all the help we can get.

This one is a keeper for anyone who likes to be reminded of the good advice this little book gives. As a man in my mid-thirties, I appreciate this book-of-quotes a great deal. If only I would have followed the advice given in this book when I was a young lad! I would be much better off by now to say the least.If you are a teen or have children that are teens, this book is full of time-tested wisdom that is based on life-experience, and a pragmatic point of view. It is a good tool for use in developing character and is a great source of direction for young and old--if truly applied that is.

A wonderful book of sayings that espouse Ben Franklin's views on life. In general, he was an advocate of honesty, hard work, moderation in all indulgences, and being a good person. While these may sound like simple principles, the wittiness and cleverness with which they are presented make them memorable and therefore useful. Buy two copies of this book -- one for yourself and one for your child when they reach their teenage years. You'll both be better off. My copy is marked up so I can easily find my favorite sayings, and I find myself flipping through it often.