One of America's most famous patriots, Benjamin Franklin was more than just a founding father of the country. He was a prolific writer, tradesman, scientist, and philosopher who had major influences in France, England, and America. Franklin made it clear through his works that he believed in both spirituality and science at the same time, and he wrote about how the two ideas can converge. He was quite famous during his life, but his fame lives on through his writings and discoveries. In the collection "The Autobiography and Other Writings," audiences can read about Franklin's life from his personal perspective. "The Autobiography" was important in that it was one of the first pieces of American literature that was praised in England. Franklin was very truthful in his tone and the depiction of his life; he wanted others to see his mistakes and learn from them. Also included in the collections are various prose, satire, speeches, and letters from his daily correspondence.