美国文学史 作者作品完整版.doc

1. The first permanent English settlement in North America was established at Jamestown, Virginia in 1607. 2.Benjamin Franklin (1706-1790) One of the Founding Fathers of the United States. Franklin was a leading author and printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, satirist, civic activist Franklin gained international renown as a scientist for his famous experiments in electricity. In the words of historian Henry Steele Commager, In a Franklin could be merged the virtues of Puritanism without its defects, the illumination of the Enlightenment without its heat.” To Walter Isaacson, this makes Franklin the most accomplished American of his age and the most influential in inventing the type of society America would become. Nathanial Hawthorne remarked that Franklin’s axioms “teach men but a very small portion of their duties… They are all about getting money or saving it.” Lawrence didn’t believe that Franklin’s idea that man can be perfected, saying that it would be like the “perfectibility of the Ford car.” (Studies in Classic American Literature) Other book: Poor Richards Almanack 穷理查的年鉴 Autobiography Four parts Part One of the Autobiography is addressed to Franklins son William(1771) Franklin began Part Two in 1784, giving a more detailed account of his public library plan and lists 13 virtues Third part started in 1788 about his Almanac, Junto. The last part was written in 1789, yet not finished A number of firsts It is considered the first popular self-help book ever published. It was the first and only work written in American before the 19th century that has retained bestseller popularity since its release. It was the first major secular American autobiography. It is also the first real account of the American Dream in action as told from a man who experienced it firsthand. This form would be copied numerous times throughout American history. Benjamin Franklins Thirteen Virtues TEMPERANCE. Eat not to dullness; drink not to