Poor Richard: Printer's Ink

Poor Richard: Printer's Ink

Though only twelve years of age, and having been sent to just one year of school, Ben became an apprentice to his older brother, who was a printer in Boston. There were two established newspapers to service the twelve thousand citizens of Boston, the official papers that were sent cheaply through the mail. James Franklin printed an alternate paper, with quite a bit more spice and flair than the dull standard papers. Ben worked hard and learned the printing presses well, enjoying the smell of the pungent ink, the crisp contrast of the ink against the paper, the satisfaction of seeing straight, clean rows of type. He saw that the world was moved and influence by words. Words changed things! And he wanted to learn to write with power.

Ben knew that before he could write well, he must read. So he borrowed books from friends, waking early and staying up late to read Plutarch's Lives and Pilgrim's Progress and try his hand at writing. Soon, an anonymous new column started showing up at James' printing house every two weeks, poking fun and making witty remarks about the doings of Boston.

Meanwhile, James printed enough questionable material to get in trouble with the authorities in Boston. They did not like his criticism and banter at their expense. James was locked up in the Boston jail and Ben was left to run the presses alone. He continued the shop and the anonymous column continued. After a month in jail, James returned to the shop, discovered that Ben was the author of the popular new column, and ended up having a quarrel with Ben, who probably thought he was hot stuff and deserved better treatment from his big brother.

Ben decided to sneak away and find his way elsewhere. He knew he couldn't find another apprenticeship in Boston, so he hopped on a boat to New York.