Poor Richard's Almanack

What is an almanac? 
 A calendar with astrological or meteorological information.
The almanac contained weather forecasts, helpful tips, poems, puzzles, news stories, etc.

Who was Richard?

Poor Richard's Almanack was written by Benjamin Franklin & published from 1733-1758. Franklin used a pseudonym, Richard Saunders or 'Poor Richard', to publish his yearly almanacs. Richard Saunders was an English publisher and editor of almanacs. Poor Richard's was inspired by Poor Robin's, which was an English almanac that was first published in 1663.

What does the almanac have to do with farming?
The almanac was great for those farming because they could look at weather forecasts as well as getting valuable information on a variety subjects such as gardening or cooking.

What does the almanac have to do with literature and where does it fit into the different literary eras? 
The almanac was published as a pamphlet and could easily relate to a newspaper. In it it contained information on a variety of subjects as well as having news stories. People loved to purchase the almanac because there was a new installation of the story in each almanac. The almanac was very popular and sold over 10,000 copies its first year. The almanac was a great way to not only learn about the upcoming weather, but people were able to purchase a new form of literature each time without breaking the bank due to its cost.

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