Virtually self-taught he excelled as an athlete a man of letters a printer a scientist a wit an inventor an editor and a writer and he was probably the most successful diplomat in American history. Written initially to guide his son Franklin's autobiography is a lively spellbinding account of his unique and eventful life. Stylistically his best work it has become a classic in world literature one to inspire and delight readers everywhere. This charming self-portrait has been translated into near