Vie de Benjamin Franklin, écrite par lui-même - Tome 2 by Benjamin Franklin

(4 User reviews)   901
By Ashley Johnson Posted on Jan 12, 2026
In Category - Botany
Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790 Franklin, Benjamin, 1706-1790
French
Hey, have you ever wondered what it was really like to help invent a country? In the second volume of his autobiography, Benjamin Franklin picks up right where he left off. We get to follow him from successful printer to diplomat, scientist, and Founding Father. Forget the boring statues—this is Franklin in his own words. He’s witty, a bit proud of his accomplishments, and surprisingly honest about the political mess of building a new nation. It’s like getting a backstage pass to the American Revolution, complete with all the arguments, experiments, and international drama. If you think history is just dates and names, this book will change your mind.
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More Transcriber’s Notes can be found at the end of the text. A MILITARY DICTIONARY AND GAZETTEER. COMPRISING ANCIENT AND MODERN MILITARY TECHNICAL TERMS, HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS OF ALL NORTH AMERICAN INDIANS, AS WELL AS ANCIENT WARLIKE TRIBES; ALSO NOTICES OF BATTLES FROM THE EARLIEST PERIOD TO THE PRESENT TIME, WITH A CONCISE EXPLANATION OF TERMS USED IN HERALDRY AND THE OFFICES THEREOF. THE WORK ALSO GIVES VALUABLE GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION. COMPILED FROM THE BEST AUTHORITIES OF ALL NATIONS. WITH AN APPENDIX CONTAINING THE ARTICLES OF WAR, ETC. BY THOMAS WILHELM, CAPTAIN EIGHTH INFANTRY. REVISED EDITION. PHILADELPHIA: L. R. HAMERSLY & CO. 1881. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1880, by THOMAS WILHELM, U.S.A., In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington. TO BREVET MAJOR-GENERAL AUGUST V. KAUTZ, COLONEL EIGHTH REGIMENT OF INFANTRY, U.S.A., BY WHOSE SUGGESTIONS, ENCOURAGEMENT, AND AID THE WORK WAS UNDERTAKEN, PERSEVERED IN, AND COMPLETED, THIS COMPILATION IS, WITH RESPECT AND GRATITUDE, DEDICATED BY HIS OBEDIENT SERVANT, THE COMPILER. PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. It is with no small degree of relief that the compiler of this work now turns from a self-imposed task, involving some years of the closest application, to write a brief preface, not as a necessity, but in justice to the work and the numerous friends who have taken the warmest interest in its progress and final completion. It is inevitable that in the vast amount of patient and persistent labor in a work of this kind, extending to 1386 pages, and containing 17,257 distinct articles, there should be a few errors, oversights, and inconsistencies, notwithstanding all the vigilance to the contrary. Condensation has been accomplished where it was possible to do so, and repetition avoided to a great extent by reference, where further information was contained in other articles of this book. The contributions to the Regimental Library, which afforded the opportunity for this compilation, of standard foreign works, were of infinite value, and many thanks are tendered for them. To G. & C. MERRIAM, Publishers, for the use of Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary; J. B. LIPPINCOTT & CO., Publishers, Philadelphia; D. VAN NOSTRAND, Publisher, New York; Maj. WILLIAM A. MARYE, Ordnance Department, U.S.A.; Maj. W. S. WORTH, Eighth Infantry, U.S.A.; Maj. D. T. WELLS, Eighth Infantry, U.S.A.; Lieut. F. A. WHITNEY, Adjutant Eighth Infantry, U.S.A.; Lieut. C. A. L. TOTTEN, Fourth Artillery, U.S.A.; Lieut. C. M. BAILY, Quartermaster Eighth Infantry, U.S.A.; and Lieut. G. P. SCRIVEN, Third Artillery, U.S.A., the compiler is indebted for courteous assistance in the preparation of this volume. OCTOBER, 1879. PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION. In submitting this volume to the public it is deemed proper to say that the design of the work is to bring together into one series, and in as compact a form as possible for ready reference, such information as the student of the science and art of war, persons interested in the local or reserve forces, libraries, as well as the editors of the daily press, should possess. In short, it is believed that the work will be useful to individuals of all ranks and conditions. The compiler has labored under some disadvantages in obtaining the necessary information for this volume, and much is due to the encouragement and assistance received from accomplished and eminent officers, through which he was enabled to undertake the revision of the first issue of this work with greater assurance; and among the officers referred to, Lieut. WILLIAM R. QUINAN, of the Fourth Artillery, U.S.A., deserves especially to be mentioned. It may not be out of place here to state that the compiler takes...

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In this second volume, Franklin continues the story of his life, moving from his successful business years into his public service. We see him retire from printing to focus on science, civic projects, and eventually, politics. The heart of the book covers his crucial time in London as a colonial agent, trying to prevent a breakup with Britain, and then his pivotal role in Philadelphia during the Revolution. He writes about helping to draft the Declaration of Independence and his famous diplomatic mission to France to secure aid for the American cause.

Why You Should Read It

Franklin’s voice is the star here. He’s not a distant historical figure; he’s a clever man telling you his story. You see his pride in his inventions like the lightning rod, his frustration with British politicians, and his shrewd charm in winning over the French court. The book feels less like a history lesson and more like listening to a fascinating, slightly cheeky grandfather. You get a real sense of the uncertainty and high stakes of the era, not from a textbook, but from someone who was making it up as he went along.

Final Verdict

This is perfect for anyone who loves personality-driven history or great life stories. It’s for readers who enjoy memoirs and want to understand the human side of America’s founding. If you liked the first volume, you’ll be thrilled to see how the story ends. It’s a brilliant, first-hand account from one of the most interesting minds of his century.



📜 Open Access

This book is widely considered to be in the public domain. Enjoy reading and sharing without restrictions.

Matthew Martin
1 month ago

Having explored similar works, the author avoids unnecessary jargon, which is refreshing. An unexpectedly enjoyable experience.

Elizabeth Ramirez
2 months ago

Surprisingly enouugh, the material builds progressively without overwhelming the reader. This felt rewarding to read.

Ashley Perez
4 months ago

I approached this with curiosity because the translation seems very fluid and captures the original nuance perfectly. A true masterpiece of its kind.

Steven Wright
4 months ago

From a casual reader’s perspective, the translation seems very fluid and captures the original nuance perfectly. I will be reading more from this author.

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