Ben Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, used several pen names throughout his writing career. The most famous of these is ‘Richard Saunders.’ Under this pseudonym, he authored the popular annual publication known as ‘Poor Richard’s Almanack.’ This almanac, which was first published in 1732, contained a mix of weather forecasts, practical household hints, puzzles, and witty observations on life.
Franklin invented the Saunders persona to share his wisdom and advice with a wider audience. By using a pen name, he could express ideas freely without directly attaching his reputation to every piece of advice or humorous quip. This allowed him to connect with the common man and showcase his wit and intellect, making the almanac immensely popular and influential during his time.
In addition to Richard Saunders, Franklin also wrote under other pseudonyms such as ‘Alice Addertongue’ and ‘Silence Dogood,’ allowing him to cover various topics and engage in the social issues of his day while maintaining a degree of anonymity.