E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Poor Richard.
The assumed name of Benjamin Franklin in a series of almanacks from 1732 to 1757. These almanacks contain maxims and precepts on temperance, economy, eleanliness, chastity, and other homely virtues; and to several of the maxims are added the words, “as poor Richard says.” Nearly a century before Robert Herrick had brought out a series of almanacks under the name of Poor Robin’s Almanack.
