On December 19, 1732, the first edition of Poor Richard’s Almanack was published. While the almanac was centuries old by this point, this version, written and printed by Benjamin Franklin, became one of the best-selling books in the American colonies. While primarily used as a calendar, Poor Richard’s Almanack introduced countless adages that have become common colloquialisms in American English.
After 1732, Poor Richard’s Almanack was published yearly by Benjamin Franklin for 25 years. Franklin wrote under a pseudonym, “Richard Saunders,” or “Poor Richard.” Historians suggest that Franklin did so to better appeal to the common man. The almanac included the times of sunrises and sunsets, weather predictions, astrological charts, jokes, and aphorisms. Many of these aphorisms are commonly used today, including:
“Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
“Fish and visitors stink in three days.”
“God helps them that help themselves.”
“To err is human, to repent divine, to persist devilish.”
“No gains without pains.”
The publishing of the almanacs was one of Franklin’s greatest business successes. However, it was also an incredible vehicle for Franklin to spread his political beliefs and encourage revolutionary sentiments. He wrote, “The King’s Cheese is half wasted in pairings; but no matter, ‘tis made of the people’s milk.”
Learn more here:
- http://www.benjamin-franklin-history.org/poor-richards-almanac/
- https://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/literary-cultural-heritage-map-pa/feature-articles/prominent-and-prodigiously-popular-poor-richard
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Benjamin-Franklin
- https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Franklin/01-01-02-0093
- https://daily.jstor.org/how-benjamin-franklins-almanac-appealed-to-the-common-man/