Chapter 2 Beginning Life as a Printer of The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin

The Pilgrim's Progress is a Christian allegory that follows the journey of Christian, a man burdened by his sin, as he travels from the City of Destruction to the Celestial City. Along the way, he encounters various characters and obstacles that symbolize spiritual realities. The book is presented as a dream sequence and is divided into two parts, the second part following Christian's wife, Christiana, and her children on a similar journey. The narrative is rich in biblical references and explores themes of redemption, faith, and perseverance.

Daniel Defoe's "An Essay on Projects" is a non-fiction work exploring various schemes and proposals for social and economic improvement in England. It showcases Defoe's insightful observations on contemporary society and his forward-thinking ideas. The essay covers a wide range of topics, including banking, education, and infrastructure. Defoe's writing style is characterized by its practicality and detailed descriptions. The book offers a fascinating glimpse into the social and economic conditions of 17th-century England and Defoe's vision for a better future.

Published anonymously in 1710 but quickly attributed to Cotton Mather, 'Essays to Do Good' is a work that outlines various proposals for Christians to advance the gospel cause and engage in social benevolence. The book combines different genres and was influential in the development of the American essay tradition. It enjoyed great popularity in the United States and Britain throughout the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries and was praised by Benjamin Franklin for its impact on his early formation.

Xenophon's "Memorabilia" offers a valuable portrait of Socrates, providing insights into his personality, teaching methods, and philosophical views. The work is composed of anecdotes and dialogues, showcasing Socrates's intellectual prowess and his commitment to ethical inquiry. Xenophon's account complements Plato's portrayal of Socrates, offering a different perspective on the philosopher's life and thought. The "Memorabilia" is a significant source for understanding Socratic philosophy and its influence on subsequent thinkers. Its enduring value lies in its vivid depiction of a pivotal figure in Western intellectual history.

Published in 1689, 'An Essay Concerning Human Understanding' is a comprehensive work that challenges the notion of innate knowledge. Locke argues that all knowledge is derived from experience and reflection, and he divides experience into two categories: sensation (information from the external world) and reflection (the mind's operations on those sensations). The essay is structured into four books, addressing topics such as the rejection of innate ideas, the theory of ideas, the role of language, personal identity, and the limits and nature of human knowledge. Locke's work had a significant influence on modern Western philosophy and continues to be a cornerstone in discussions of epistemology and the philosophy of mind.

The Spectator was a daily publication that aimed to 'enliven morality with wit, and to temper wit with morality'. It was written by Joseph Addison and Richard Steele and ran for 555 issues. The essays covered a wide range of topics, from the latest fashions to serious discussions on criticism and morality. The publication was designed to bring learning and philosophical discussions into everyday social settings such as clubs, assemblies, tea-tables, and coffee-houses. It was highly influential in shaping the literary and social discourse of its time.