Chapter I Summary and Analysis

The book opens with a letter from Franklin to his son, William. Franklin explains that the memoir is a genealogical record, since it took Franklin much labor to track all the family history. It is also perhaps useful since Franklin has become famous over the years. Benjamin Franklin is unusual in that he is able to be honest about his achievements without being falsely humble nor arrogant. He says he would change the details of some things to look better, but does not have the writing talent to do so. Franklin does not see anything wrong with a little boasting, especially if he thanks God for the vanity first. Franklin learned that for three-hundred years, the oldest son has been apprenticed to a smithing trade, although some eventually found other interests, such as lawyer or politician.

His family had...