Archives for: September 2009
Benjamin Franklin: Pilgrim's Progress 1706-1723
"This obscure family of ours was early in the Reformation," Franklin wrote...and "were sometimes in danger of trouble on account of their zeal against popery." When the Queen Mary I was engaged in her bloody crusade to reestablish the Roman Catholic Church, (Grandfather) Thomas Franklin kept the banned English Bible tied to the underside of a stool.....the Puritan migration established the foundation for some characteristics of Benjamin Franklin, and of America itself.
Benjamin Franklin: B. Franklin, Printer
Well, as promised I have begun my new book on Benjamin Franklin
Chapter One
Benjamin Franklin
And The Invention
Of America
Over time Americans find that they learn bits and pieces about the man on the $100.00 bill....we all fondly know as Benjamin Franklin. In chapter one we are reminded he arrived in Philadelphia, PA as a 17 year old bedraggled runaway. He started out his life as a runaway because he was tired of the apprentice work he was bound to complete with his older brother.... after B. Franklin worked until he felt he had learned more about printing than his oldest brother could teach him he was compelled to leave...as of the time period he went to his father to ask his permission to end his apprenticeship with his oldest brother. His father refused him.... long story short B. Franklin ran away and most of literature today will begin the start their discussions about B. Franklin as he arrived in Philadelphia exhausted, hungry and as he straggled off the boat and found himself wandering down Market Street purchasing three puffy rolls of bread that were popular to eat in Philadelphia. Ben had never eaten this type of bread before. In the meantime, his future wife Deborah Read was standing in her doorway of her home and she saw Ben walking down the street in a most disheveled appearance.
Benjamin Franklin
Well, we have purchased our books, I began to read and made it to page three. With too many interruptions I put the book down with great disappointment. So I pledge to myself to begin the book this Sunday.
I have a conference to attend this weekend leaving this afternoon and then returning on Sunday mid day so thus should have time at some point this weekend to begin my book over again!
It has great promise. The book does appear to be a quick and easy read..... Now it is up to me to make it happen.


