Born in the U.S.A. (Bruce Springsteen)

History's Best Selling Books of 1790

1. The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

   Released in 1790 by Benjamin Franklin, William Temple Franklin

   The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin holds immense historical significance, particularly given its posthumous publication commencing in 1790, a year after Franklin's death. It immediately solidified his image as not merely a statesman or scientist, but as the quintessential American self-made man, offering a practical guide to personal improvement and civic engagement. Its release, though fragmented initially, provided a direct window into the values and experiences that shaped one of the nation's Founding Fathers, becoming an instructional text for generations of Americans. The book's profound influence on national identity and the concept of the 'American Dream' began almost immediately, setting a precedent for aspirational literature.