Ben Franklin’s Bestseller: Poor Richard’s Almanac
Ben Franklin was one of America’s Founding Fathers, and he was also a talented inventor. But he achieved his first success as the writer and publisher of a very popular once-a-year book entitled Poor Richard’s Almanac.
When Franklin got his start in publishing, almanacs were some of the most popular books on the market. In those days, almanacs often contained seasonal weather forecasts and farming advice. Franklin used his writing skills to beef up Poor Richard’s Almanac with common-sense advice, memorable quotes, and timely tips. His books were a hit, and as a result, Franklin became a wealthy man.
With only two years of formal education, Ben Franklin made the most of his God-given talents, and he worked his way to the top. You can, too.
Quotes by Ben Franklin
“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
“Well done is better than well said.”
“God helps them that help themselves.”
“A rotten apple spoils the whole bunch.”
“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
“Hard work is the mother of good luck.”
About Pennsylvania
It’s a Fact: Ben Franklin moved from Boston, Massachusetts to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1723. He was about 18 years old at the time.
It’s a Fact: The biggest city in Pennsylvania is Philadelphia. Pittsburgh is the second biggest city in Pennsylvania. The capital of Pennsylvania is Harrisburg.
It’s a Fact: The Declaration of Independence was signed in Philadelphia. Philadelphia is also the home of the famous American symbol of freedom: the Liberty Bell.
It’s a Fact: Ben Franklin founded the Philadelphia Zoo, which was the very first zoo in America.
It’s a Fact: Hershey, Pennsylvania is called ChocolateTown, USA because that’s where they make Hershey’s candies.
Fun Fact: When Ben Franklin arrived in Philadelphia in 1723, he was practically penniless. But over the next two decades he became very wealthy as a print shop owner, a land speculator, and the publisher of the popular Poor Richard’s Almanack.
Fun Fact: Ben was largely self-taught. In fact, he only had two years of formal education. To make up for his lack of time in the classroom, he read lots of books.
Fun Fact: Franklin was the first person to ask Congress to abolish slavery. He did it in 1790, two months before his death.
Fun Fact: Ben Fanklin was the oldest Founding Father to sign the United States Constitution. He was 81 when he signed it.
Fun Fact: Ben Franklin also discovered a huge current of warm water that flows in the Atlantic Ocean up the east coast of America from Florida to New England. He named that current the Gulf Stream, and that’s what it’s still called today.
Fun Fact: Ben Franklin was the first person to serve as the United States Postmaster General. That means Franklin was in charge of entire U.S. Postal Service.
Just for fun,
Did Ben Franklin go to school for 2 years, or 5 years, or 10 years?
Franklin had just 2 years of formal education, but he made up for his lack of in-school training by reading lots and lots of books.
The Liberty Bell is a big, cracked bell that symbolizes American freedom. Where is it located?
Which Pennsylvania town is nicknamed Chocolate Town? Is is Philadelphia, Pittsburg, Hershey, or Harrisburg.
Is the capital of Pennsylvania Philadelphia or Harrisburg?
Here's a riddle for you:
What's the most famous fish in the Atlantic Ocean?
The star fish.
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