Ben Franklin’s Classic Autobiography Adapted for Modern Day Readers in Honor of 300th Anniversary of Founding Father’s Birthday in January 2006

Austin, Texas…Nationally known Benjamin Franklin scholar Blaine McCormick has adapted Franklin’s classic, 18th Century autobiography for modern day readers in honor of the 300th anniversary of his birthday, which occurs on January 17, 200. Ben Franklin: America's Original Entrepreneur (Entrepreneur Press, October 2005) is the first modern day translation of Franklin’s autobiography. Entrepreneur Press is publishing the book in a special hardcover commemorative edition, which includes copies of original photos and portraits of Ben Franklin as well as a map showing his travels.

Franklin’s compelling autobiography is not just the story of his fascinating and accomplished life, but also the story of American business. Although he was a husband, a father, a writer, an inventor, a statesman, a fundraiser and a military leader, in Franklin’s own mind, he was first and foremost a businessman. For example, he was responsible for almost single-handedly establishing America’s first media empire, public library, fire brigade, book club, and franchise as well as the University of Pennsylvania.

Franklin’s autobiography is full of insightful business lessons that are just as relevant today as they were when he was alive. For example, he advocates such values honesty, hard work, thrift, doing good to others, and maintaining a good reputation. He also uses reward rather than punishment as a means of persuading others to help him achieve his goals.

According to McCormick, “Franklin’s autobiography is the most underrated business story in American history. Unfortunately, it’s also underappreciated because the average business reader finds the Colonial English and the unfamiliar Colonial context too challenging to plow through. Although business readers have no shortage of modern English versions of classic texts like Sun Tzu’s The Art of War or Machiavelli’s The Prince, Franklin’s story is much more relevant and useful to them than either of these two books. So, I thought it wise to offer a modern English adaptation of Franklin’s classic for a new generation of American business leaders.”

Ben Franklin: America's Original Entrepreneur is divided into three sections. The first section details Franklin’s upbringing and explains the lessons he learned on his way to becoming a business owner. The second section deals primarily with Franklin’s years as a Philadelphia printer. The final section of the book showcases Franklin moving into the public arena and applying his business knowledge to his civic endeavors, military projects, and diplomatic efforts. Fascinating sidebars throughout the book help link Franklin's story and his personal attributes to modern-day entrepreneurs and businesses, from Barbie to Microsoft.

McCormick is a nationally recognized authority on the business practices of Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison and has written books as well as scholarly articles about each man. He has also been interviewed by numerous national media, including The New York Times, CNN and ABC World News. McCormick is the associate dean for undergraduate programs at the Hankamer School of Business at Baylor University and also holds an appointment on the management faculty. He received the 2002-03 Collins Outstanding Professor Award, which is granted each Spring by graduating seniors.

Ben Franklin: America’s Original Entrepreneur (Entrepreneur Press, ISBN: 1-932531-68-8, hardcover/commemorative edition, $26.95) is available at all fine bookstores and online booksellers.