"Benjamin Franklin" by Robin McKown is a historical account written in the early 1960s. The book discusses the life and contributions of the iconic American statesman, inventor, and writer, Benjamin Franklin. It is likely aimed at readers interested in American history and the remarkable figures who helped shape the nation. At the start of the narrative, we are introduced to Franklin's humble beginnings in Boston, where he was born into a large, financially strapped family. The text details his early years, his voracious appetite for reading, and how he became an apprentice to his brother, who was a printer. Through his apprenticeship, Franklin developed his writing skills and began to express his opinions through the creation of alter egos, notably the character of Mrs. Silence Dogood. These formative experiences set the stage for his later accomplishments in printing, writing, and civic engagement, as well as his pursuits in scientific discovery and improvement of society. (This is an automatically generated summary.)