Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
by: Walter Isaacson
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Amazon.com Review:
Benjamin Franklin, writes journalist and biographer Walter Isaacson, was that rare Founding Father who would sooner wink at a passer-by than sit still for a formal portrait. What's more, Isaacson relates in this fluent and entertaining biography, the revolutionary leader represents a political tradition that has been all but forgotten today, one that prizes pragmatism over moralism, religious tolerance over fundamentalist rigidity, and social mobility over class privilege. That broadly democratic sensibility allowed Franklin his contradictions, as Isaacson shows. Though a man of lofty principles, Franklin wasn't shy of using sex to sell the newspapers he edited and published; though far from frivolous, he liked his toys and his mortal pleasures; and though he sometimes gave off a simpleton image, he was a shrewd and even crafty politician. Isaacson doesn't shy from enumerating Franklins occasional peccadilloes and shortcomings, in keeping with the iconoclastic nature of our time--none of which, however, stops him from considering Benjamin Franklin "the most accomplished American of his age," and one of the most admirable of any era. And heres one bit of proof: as a young man, Ben Franklin regularly went without food in order to buy books. His example, as always, is a good one--and this is just the book to buy with the proceeds from the grocery budget. --Gregory McNamee
Product Description:
Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who winks at us, the one who seems made of flesh rather than marble. In this authoritative and engrossing full-scale biography, Walter Isaacson shows how the most fascinating of America's founders helped define our national character.
In a sweeping narrative that follows Franklin's life from Boston to Philadelphia to London and Paris and back, Isaacson chronicles the adventures of the spunky runaway apprentice who became, during his 84-year life, America's best writer, inventor, media baron, scientist, diplomat, and business strategist, as well as one of its most practical and ingenious political leaders. He explores the wit behind Poor Richard's Almanac and the wisdom behind the Declaration of Independence, the new nation's alliance with France, the treaty that ended the Revolution, and the compromises that created a near-perfect Constitution.
Above all, Isaacson shows how Franklin's unwavering faith in the wisdom of the common citizen and his instinctive appreciation for the possibilities of democracy helped to forge an American national identity based on the virtues and values of its middle class.
Benjamin Franklin, writes journalist and biographer Walter Isaacson, was that rare Founding Father who would sooner wink at a passer-by than sit still for a formal portrait. What's more, Isaacson relates in this fluent and entertaining biography, the revolutionary leader represents a political tradition that has been all but forgotten today, one that prizes pragmatism over moralism, religious tolerance over fundamentalist rigidity, and social mobility over class privilege. That broadly democratic sensibility allowed Franklin his contradictions, as Isaacson shows. Though a man of lofty principles, Franklin wasn't shy of using sex to sell the newspapers he edited and published; though far from frivolous, he liked his toys and his mortal pleasures; and though he sometimes gave off a simpleton image, he was a shrewd and even crafty politician. Isaacson doesn't shy from enumerating Franklins occasional peccadilloes and shortcomings, in keeping with the iconoclastic nature of our time--none of which, however, stops him from considering Benjamin Franklin "the most accomplished American of his age," and one of the most admirable of any era. And heres one bit of proof: as a young man, Ben Franklin regularly went without food in order to buy books. His example, as always, is a good one--and this is just the book to buy with the proceeds from the grocery budget. --Gregory McNamee
Product Description:
Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who winks at us, the one who seems made of flesh rather than marble. In this authoritative and engrossing full-scale biography, Walter Isaacson shows how the most fascinating of America's founders helped define our national character.
In a sweeping narrative that follows Franklin's life from Boston to Philadelphia to London and Paris and back, Isaacson chronicles the adventures of the spunky runaway apprentice who became, during his 84-year life, America's best writer, inventor, media baron, scientist, diplomat, and business strategist, as well as one of its most practical and ingenious political leaders. He explores the wit behind Poor Richard's Almanac and the wisdom behind the Declaration of Independence, the new nation's alliance with France, the treaty that ended the Revolution, and the compromises that created a near-perfect Constitution.
Above all, Isaacson shows how Franklin's unwavering faith in the wisdom of the common citizen and his instinctive appreciation for the possibilities of democracy helped to forge an American national identity based on the virtues and values of its middle class.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
Rating: 
- Readable and interesting
Walter Isaacson writes a readable biography that helps readers better understand Benjamin Franklin's life and the world he lived in and helped create.Highly recommend this book!
Rating: 
- A holistic approach to B. Franklin
Issacson's book is quite insightful. The passion of Franklin's life is exhibited by the author through Franklin's own words. I wasunaware of the sharp contrast between Franklin's public and privatelife.I was drawn to the book after reading Mculloughs book on Adams which I happened to enjoy more.I found this book to be a bit tedious in the middle when Franklin keeps returning to France.By this point the reader is aware of Franklin's charater and instead of reading about select events I just ... Read More
Rating: - Great book to learn about a Great Man
I enjoyed this book. It took Ben Franklin out of that gray area between important founding founder and silly character that many people have in their heads. It wasn't afraid to show some of his faults, his family life left much to be desired. It is funny that while reading John Adams you would get a not too flattering view of Franklin and after reading this book you might not favor Adams.
I recommed this book for anyone interested in Franklin. Even if you think you know Franklin, read ... Read More
Rating: - Very enlightening!
Benjamin Franklin's name is recognizable to all because of the progress he made to science, technology, and politics. He invented the lightening rod and the creation of Poor Richard's Almanac.However, after reading this wonderfully crafted organized, and insightful biography of Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson, I found myself very enlightened not only by so many other interesting inventions and creations in Benjamin Franklin's life, but also by how much I learned about his personality and by ... Read More
Rating: 
- Obvious agenda, a lot of information but that is good
I learned a lot about Franklin and its obvious the author put many hours of research into this book. Unfortunately the author also has a bias towards Franklin. I was glad I read the book and would read it again, but I caution readers to not be taken in by the author's agenda. The author slams Franklin for many things mostly how he treats his family. There seems to be only criticism but the author leaves you hanging without providing a reason. The fact is the author provides much analysis but only on ... Read More
- Readable and interestingWalter Isaacson writes a readable biography that helps readers better understand Benjamin Franklin's life and the world he lived in and helped create.Highly recommend this book!
- A holistic approach to B. FranklinIssacson's book is quite insightful. The passion of Franklin's life is exhibited by the author through Franklin's own words. I wasunaware of the sharp contrast between Franklin's public and privatelife.I was drawn to the book after reading Mculloughs book on Adams which I happened to enjoy more.I found this book to be a bit tedious in the middle when Franklin keeps returning to France.By this point the reader is aware of Franklin's charater and instead of reading about select events I just ... Read More
- Great book to learn about a Great ManI enjoyed this book. It took Ben Franklin out of that gray area between important founding founder and silly character that many people have in their heads. It wasn't afraid to show some of his faults, his family life left much to be desired. It is funny that while reading John Adams you would get a not too flattering view of Franklin and after reading this book you might not favor Adams.
I recommed this book for anyone interested in Franklin. Even if you think you know Franklin, read ... Read More
- Very enlightening!Benjamin Franklin's name is recognizable to all because of the progress he made to science, technology, and politics. He invented the lightening rod and the creation of Poor Richard's Almanac.However, after reading this wonderfully crafted organized, and insightful biography of Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson, I found myself very enlightened not only by so many other interesting inventions and creations in Benjamin Franklin's life, but also by how much I learned about his personality and by ... Read More
- Obvious agenda, a lot of information but that is goodI learned a lot about Franklin and its obvious the author put many hours of research into this book. Unfortunately the author also has a bias towards Franklin. I was glad I read the book and would read it again, but I caution readers to not be taken in by the author's agenda. The author slams Franklin for many things mostly how he treats his family. There seems to be only criticism but the author leaves you hanging without providing a reason. The fact is the author provides much analysis but only on ... Read More
