The Writings of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 1: Collected and Edited With a Life and Introduction (Classic Reprint) - Hardcover

Inhaltsangabe

Excerpt from The Writings of Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 1: Collected and Edited With a Life and Introduction

The writings of Benjamin Franklin have been several times published. It is nearly ninety years since William Temple Franklin completed the long delayed edition of his grandfather's works; it is seventy years since Jared Sparks began the publication of his ten laborious volumes; and it is almost twenty years since Mr. John Bigelow prepared what then seemed to be the final edition of Franklin's works and correspondence.

W. T. Franklin's edition is no longer of the slightest value to the student of history. He was devoid of literary facility, and was overwhelmed by the magnitude of his task. In his work there is neither sense of proportion nor judgement in selection. Jared Sparks, by unwearied industry, rendered a great service to American history, and preserved from oblivion many historical papers of the highest importance; but he was disloyal to his author, and took liberties with his documents. He corrected and altered at pleasure. In an attempt to give a classic pose to his heroes, he revised spell ing and grammar, and omitted passages which he deemed beneath the dignity of history, and gave no sign withal that he had tampered with either style or substance.

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