The most popular and widely sold book other than the Bible in the colonies was
Poor Richard’s Almanac
“Poor Richard’s Almanack” by Benjamin Franklin.
This almanac was first published in 1732 and continued to be published annually until 1758. It contained a wide variety of information, including weather predictions, astronomical data, and farming advice. However, it is perhaps most famous for its witty and wise aphorisms, many of which have become part of American folklore. Examples of these aphorisms include “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise” and “Fish and visitors stink after three days.”
The popularity of “Poor Richard’s Almanack” was due in part to its practicality and accessibility. It provided useful information for farmers, merchants, and other workers, as well as entertaining and thought-provoking maxims for general readers. Additionally, Franklin’s reputation as a respected statesman and inventor helped to promote the almanac’s popularity. Overall, “Poor Richard’s Almanack” was a significant cultural touchstone in colonial America and played an important role in shaping American literature and folklore.
More Answers:
Thomas Paine’s Common Sense: The Influential Pamphlet That Galvanized Support for American Independence.The Quebec Act of 1774: Solidifying British Control and Addressing French Canadian Concerns
Discovering the Roots of American Independence: The Proposal and Adoption of the Declaration of Independence