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Benjamin Franklin

Franklin’s Endlessly Quotable Poor Richard’s Almanack

From 1733 to 1757, Franklin published Poor Richard’s Almanack, an annual bestseller in the colonies. In addition to weather predictions and astronomical observations, his almanac was notable for including aphorisms that combined wisdom with humor, philosophy with word play—an early example of a homespun American writing style that has continued through the generations.

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“An American” (1775-1790)
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1:54:59
Benjamin Franklin helps craft the Declaration of Independence and wins French support.
“Join or Die” (1706-1774)
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:55:26
After success as a Philadelphia printer Benjamin Franklin earns worldwide fame in science.
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