This is a huge paperback, filled with all kinds of detail about Franklin's life here and in Europe, as well as 70 pages of sources. A "clever man with a disarming wit and winning smile", the style of the book seems to reflect his character. Really enjoyed this book.
learned things about Franklin that you won't find in history books
This is a wonderful book. I read it after the book about John Adams to compare the perspectives.
Wordy and boring and a lot of politics from the past.
History has never been an attention-grabber for me, but recently I've been on a American history kick. I found that washing dishes was the perfect time to listen to this book. There is a lot more to Benjamin Franklin than the kite flyer of my childhood history. A lot of his press was written by him, which I think was a pretty smart move, but the information from contemporary sources also has a positive feeling. When refering to "founding father", you couldn't be more accurate than Benjamin Franklin.
It's taken me approximately 10 years since my visit to Independence Hall to dive into my souvenir from the trip - Walter Isaacson's excellent biography of Philadelphia's favorite son (albeit adopted from his native Boston, I learned), Benjamin Franklin. I was a fool to have waited so long! (I confess: I didn't read the actual book I bought, but instead borrowed the Audio version from the library and listened to the book being read to me on 21 CDs.)
We all know that Ben Franklin was a multifaceted individual, and this book devotes time and space to all of those interests and expertises. Printer (which is how Franklin referred to himself). Author / Philosopher. Scientist / Inventor. Revolutionary / Politician / Diplomat. Incorrigible flirt. And, most importantly, image consultant Franklin was well aware of who he wanted to be perceived as in order to gain the most advantage for himself and his causes.
This is not a short book but it is definitely a worthwhile investment of the time it'll take you to read (or listen to) it.
RATING: 5 stars.
