Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Review of Benjamin Franklin : An American Life

Benjamin Franklin : An American Life
kuligowskiandrewt avatar reviewed on + 569 more book reviews


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.