Poor Richard's Almanack

Besides being an American inventor, statesman, and publisher, Benjamin Franklin was also a writer.This was a yearly publication written from 1732 to 1758 under the pseudo name Poor Richards. This name is taken from the seventeenth century London almanac, Apollo Anglicanus whose publication was popular throughout the eighteenth century. Packed with practical wisdom, home remedies, seasonal weather forecasts, amusements, calendar, poems, it became an instant best seller in the colonial America. Another attraction of theAlmanck is that it contained serial stories that built the curiosity of the readers to know more about the characters. It also contained serial store During the years of publication about 10,000 copies were printed and sold every year. His Almanack did face criticism in the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Herman Melville. Nevertheless, it also showed a pathway of freedom for contemporary writers like Jefferson, Adams, or Paine. The Almanack also had a cultural impact on the American culture as well as it gave them a traditions and wisdom which were truly indigenous and not Britain. Besides, in France, Napoleon Bonaparte was impressed by the Almanack and what it be translated into Italian and with the Pennsylvania State Constitution that was drafted by Benjamin Franklin. Besides, it was translated in French, again printed in Britain for enabling it to be posted and also given to clergymen and poor parishioners. It also brought about a change in monetary policy of France .In addition the French King named a ship Bonhomme Richard, after the name of the author of the Almanack and that was given to John Paul Jones.It also inspired the writer, Noah Weber to write the Almanack, The Old Farmer's Almanac. As Benjamin's Almanack brought him economic status and fame, he sent, copies to his brother's wife, a widow who could sell them and make money. All this tell us about Benjamin Franklin as a person.