Around 1750, which famous person published an almanac written under the pen-name of Richard Saunders?

The individual who published an almanac under the pen-name of Richard Saunders around 1750 was the celebrated American polymath, Benjamin Franklin. From 1732 to 1758, Franklin anonymously wrote and published "Poor Richard's Almanack" from his print shop in Philadelphia. This yearly publication became incredibly popular in colonial America, selling around 10,000 copies annually and reaching a significant portion of colonial households.

Franklin adopted the pseudonym "Richard Saunders" as a tribute to a real 17th-century English doctor and astrologer who had written a popular British almanac called "Rider's British Merlin." He also incorporated the "Poor" from another British almanac, "Poor Robin." This allowed Franklin to present a blend of practical information, weather forecasts, astronomical data, and entertaining content, all while maintaining a distinct, witty persona for his fictional author.

The almanac was much more than just a calendar; it was a collection of proverbs, puzzles, recipes, and advice, many of which promoted virtues like hard work, frugality, and self-improvement. While some of the content was original, Franklin also borrowed extensively from other sources, making these maxims accessible to a wide audience. Through "Poor Richard's Almanack," Franklin aimed to both entertain and educate the common people, contributing significantly to his reputation and financial success.