During his lifetime, Benjamin Franklin referred to these writings as his memoirs, but today they are known as the more familiar Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin. Begun in 1771 as remembrances for his son, William, Franklin added to ti during the last ten years of his life. A printer, scientist, and statesman, Franklin was also an engaging writer whose wit and wisdom make his writings as much a pleasure to read today as they were in the mid-eighteenth century.