Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

WHAT I LIKED: - Benjamin Franklin. He is an absolutely amazing person, whose splendid character shines forth in his own writings and the descriptions of his activities. Even one of Franklin’s famous rivals, John Adams, later in life said, “There is scarce a scratch of his pen that is not worth preserving.” - The narrative style approach. This isn’t a boring book that simply chronicles what happened and when. It is like a story, and despite being so comprehensive, it doesn’t seem long enough. It gets more and more exciting as you go through it, even showing hints of a spy novel at one point. While I typically don’t read biographies more than once, this is a book I will likely read many times again. - The technical detail. As Franklin was an inventor, the author could have been excused for glossing over many of the technical details of his inventions. But he doesn’t do that. The author presents the information in a way that any person can understand. It makes the reader appreciate Franklin all that much more. - Time travel. This book takes you back to 18th century America, and you feel very close to the many famous personalities who helped in forming the country. The author has done a wonderful job in making something so distant seem so accessible. You get a taste for England and France from that time period as well. - Reference material. In reading this book, you come across a lot of names. There are many people who had the pleasure to meet Franklin, and one thing I started doing in the course of reading was looking up many of these people. I was surprised to find out how famous and influential they were. And wouldn’t you know it, the author provides a nice glossary at the end which gives a brief description of each character. There are some nice photos and paintings included as well. WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE: - Snide commentary. There are many, many instances of where ill motives are erroneously ascribed to Franklin. The author many times attacks Franklin’s own autobiography, saying he wasn’t entirely honest. And these criticisms are of minor points, such as the way Franklin characterized his own parents. I would have preferred the author save his judgments for a separate chapter instead of interweaving it throughout the narrative. - Gossip column/Tabloid reporting. There is one section of this book in particular which was done in very poor taste. Without giving away too many details, imagine if your worst enemy hacked your email account, took your personal correspondence and then sent it to others. And then imagine that this enemy put their own comments in parentheses after each paragraph. This describes a major section of this book, dealing particularly with Franklin’s time in England. The author obviously invested much time and effort in writing this book, and so he has a right to formulate opinions. But the manner in which they were inserted in some places was very off-putting, due particularly to the fact that I considered the negative comments to be completely off base. - Chastising of Franklin’s character. By all accounts, Franklin was a stand-up guy who had affection for everyone. Perhaps in having little to criticize, the author decided to take issue with the fact that Franklin was friendlier and more open in his dealings with his friends than he was with his family. The author wants you to think that Franklin liked his friends more than his family. But in reality, the level of interaction doesn’t necessarily equate to affection. We make friends with equals, whereas our family members are either our dependents or our superiors. We treat dependents differently than we do friends. The famous Indian philosopher Chanakya said that disciples and children should never be coddled; only criticized. This is for their own good. Franklin seemed to follow a similar approach, though he wasn’t very harsh. To me the way he treated his family is actually a sign of his great affection for them, and not the other way around. VERDICT: A lot of the commentary I didn’t like had footnotes to it, suggesting that perhaps the author was merely passing on the opinions of previous historians. Despite the few negatives, this is an excellent book. I first read the “A Benjamin Franklin Reader” book by the same author, and that interested me enough to purchase this one. Franklin wrote and did so much that one book could never do him justice, but this is a great start. I give many thanks to the author for taking the time to compile this wonderful and insightful work.

Mark F. LaMoure, Boise, ID PHENOMENAL GENIUS I found author Walter Isaacson's, "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life," to be a 5 Gold Star book. It is captivating and filled to over flowing with inspiration. Mr. Isaacson writes about Franklin's brilliant genius as a nation builder. The author shows how Benjamin was a stunning leader right from the start. He was an outstanding political activist, genius inventor, defying rebel and sage the likes of which the world has rarely ever seen. Benjamin Franklin was an unparalleled founding father who lived 1706 to 1790. He lived during the pioneer early days of the 13 Colonies. Benjamin helped build the golden foundation of the United States of America. He did this by helping write the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. AN EXCEPTIONAL MAN Isaacson's book is a masterpiece biography and impressive from cover-to-cover. I discovered Benjamin Franklin's achievements are clearly some of the most admirable of anyone in world history. Franklin's signature was the only one written on all 5 key documents that founded the U.S. And look at the super power of his results: The United States of America! Today the U.S. is a country of 310 million people and one of the most powerful country's on earth in many, sparkling ways. Like a diamond, Benjamin was a shining, multifaceted man. As an American, I appreciate that Franklin was never an elite aristocrat, with an easy path, paved with gold by being born into royalty. Isn't it incredible that he was the world's first ultra-genius who created the power of the middle class in America? And look at the trend he started around the world! Benjamin was a true blessing. BRILLIANT ACHIEVEMENT I realized that Franklin was wise and insightful. He was a true super-mastermind, or a "Polymath." Franklin excelled in everything he attempted to do in business. Such as in journalism, printing, writing, science, politics, diplomacy and much more. Benjamin's business expertise was extraordinary. He would have been worth at least ten's of billion's dollars in today's money. Franklin's ability in politics showed he was an incredible realist v.s. political or religious zealot, like so many of today's drunken dictators around the world. He is also an example by which countless American leaders of today could learn a lot. Want proof? Just look at the Congress of he United States of America today! Thier political corruption in recent years is a national disaster and will go down in history. INCREDIBLE ACCOMPLISHMENT Benjamin Franklin's achievements are beyond belief. Benjamin established the outstanding University of Pennsylvania. I was proud he made the scientific discovery that lightening was electricity. Franklin was a brilliant scientist. He would have earned at least one of today's Nobel Peace Prizes in Physics for his writing on electricity. Benjamin Franklin was the first to invent amazing bifocal glasses. He created the first, leading Postal Service and Fire Department in America. Franklin was the first President of the Pennsylvania Abolitionist Society, against slavery. I was amazed that these major achievements are only a tiny few of his giant, Herculean successes. Today, his incredible inventions and achievements bless many billions of people in America. And worldwide, on a daily basis. WELL WRITTEN BOOK I enjoyed reading Isaacson's book. When you finish the book, you'll feel like you personally know Benjamin Franklin. Franklin lived one of those lives that leaves you amazed, astonished and stunned. The book is tremendously exciting and highly educational. Buy it - you'll love it.

Recently, I have been spending time exploring the lives of America's founding fathers. Benjamin Franklin was someone that I thought I knew. In grade school we learn about the pithy Philladelphia boy who rose from poverty to wealth, flew a kite in a rain storm, and became an immortal figure in the "Pantheon" of the American founders. However, I discovered that I really did not know Franklin very well at all; the one-dimensional description that I knew was not sufficient to capture the essence of this complicated man. Walter Isaacson carefully depicts one of the most controversial and beloved founders in our history. Isaacson is not a historian but he certainly does a great job and often proves to be objective in his analysis; albeit, not as objective as I would always liked him to have been. There are many admirable qualities about this work and there are a few things that I thought could have made the book a much stronger work. Here are a few pros and cons about the book that might help you in your decision to purchase it. Isaacson is very passionate for his subject and that is something that he cannot keep veiled very well. The beginning of the book starts out slow but once he gets moving then he keeps a strong steady pace. It is refreshing to see a writer with so much enthusiasm for his subject and while some historians frown on that; I don't. I like the way he traces Franklin's life and family history. In fact, his family history really gives us a context for understanding the way Franklin thought and acted. His strong puritanical upbringing did not make him a religious man, but it did tend to create a desire to be socially proactive. In fact, I appreciate the way that Isaacson traced the religious journey of Franklin and I wish that more authors would concentrate on this aspect of the political/ social figures they are writing about. Franklin's religious life is not one that is static but rather one that was constantly evolving and moving towards a more coherent view. His religion like everything else in his life, was strongly pragmatic. In many ways, we find in Dr. Franklin that strong American pragmatism that has come to define the American people in the past and present. Franklin's home life was a very slippery slope and it was difficult to know what to make of his relationship with family. Franklin had a son born out of wedlock and their relationship was rocky thoughout his life, and particularly at the latter end. He had a grandson by this son that was also born out of wedlock and yet he loved this boy, perhaps even more than his own son. His marriage to Deborah was also very strange. Some historians have concluded or at least suggested that Franklin did not love her. He spent years of his life away from her and his letters do not reveal a tender affection towards her. Yet, Isaacson suggests that there is a way in which Franklin did regard her. Many have painted him as a philanderer whose nefarious dalliances and sexual escapades are among the most outrageous among the founders. Isaacson suggests that while Franklin certainly had emotional affairs that he remained faithful to his wife. To be honest with you, it seems a little difficult to believe. It is hard to imagine that a man who sits in a bathtub with another woman is not physically involved with her. I think he is right that we should assume that Franklin was probably not as wild as he is taken to be, but I am not convinced of his monogamy. This was an area where I felt the authors personal feelings for his subject may have interfered with his better judgment. The writing style of the author was easy and generally engaging despite the fact that I thought he had a weak beginning. There were a few discrepancies that caught my attention and I will have to read a great deal more about this topic to be certain. Most people know that John Adams and Benjamin Franklin were selected to help Thomas Jefferson in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence. Most historians seem to suggest that Adams was the one who really pushed for Jefferson to write it and states his reasons as: 1. Jefferson is a Virginian and a Virginian should be at the head of this business. 2. Jefferson was liked while he thought himself to be obnoxious and not well liked by many in Congress. 3. Jefferson is a far more eloquent writer than the others. Isaacson suggests that it was Franklin who said this not Adams. This seems to be a mistake as Franklin is the one who is thought to have suggested Jefferson change "sacred and inviolable" to "inalienable" because the former smacked of the pulpit. I think that it was in fact Adams who stated the three basic reasons that Jefferson should write the document. Franklin was not obnoxious and seemed to always be generally well thought of and that alone caused me to question Isaacson on this point. There were other small issues that I wondered about through the book. Generally, he seemed to be factually accurate and his writing style was interesting enough to attract a reader who may not be prone to read history books. I was happy to see that this writer spent a great deal of time salvaging the reputation of Franklin. His reputation has suffered as he is often portrayed as an intelligent man that prone to buffoonery. Certainly, he had a sense of humor and he could be somewhat crude. The funniest piece I read was his fake letter to the royal academy of farts. However, to see Franklin as a mere jester is to miss the force of his convictions, visions, and political prowess. Franklin had the foresight to see that America needed to unite along the lines of the Iroquois Confederacy long before many others. He was a man who believed in internal improvements, pragmatic scientific discovery, and a strong middle class. His vision for this nation has been a strong guidepost for two centuries of American thought. His work as a diplomat in France is a model for modern diplomacy. He was a fox when it came to dealing with other humans and his penchant for compromise is what helped to give us the constitution that we know have. Overall, it was a good work that serves as a solid starting point for Franklin's life. He honored Franklin and while he was often soft on his shortcomings he did not altogether deny them. His portrayal of Adams seemed a little warped and his dislike of Adams bled through the descriptions. While I know that Adams had a side that made him a hard man to deal with, I did not always feel that he gave hm enough credit. His ending was solid and I love the way that he wrapped up the loose ends by explaining what happened to Franklin's family and close friends. It would have been nice if the book had included images so as to see some of the people that are discussed throughout the book. These are just minor complaints and do not detract from the work in any significant way.I will give it 1 star for readablity, 1 star for solid research, 1 star for bibliography, and 1 star for content. As far as the last star is concerned I would take away 1/2 star for minor discrepancies and a 1/2 star for the slow and laborious start to the book.

Other people have covered the details of the book well, so I will compare it to other popular biographies about the Founding​ Fathers written recently to give the reader an idea of what to expect. The trend in biographies lately seems to be elegant and almost novelistic prose. This book is written in a very different style: simple but not simplistic, accessible but not unintelligent. An unusual aspect is that rather than let one subject flow into another, the chapters are further separated into subheadings (e.g. "The American Philosophical Society", "Supplying General Braddock"). The author previously wrote a biography of Steve Jobs, and clearly has an interest in business. Much time is spent on Franklin's early years as a businessman, which I did not find as interesting as his politics. Much time is spent on British colonial economic policy, which I did find very interesting and informative. Additionally, it helped explain why the Tea Partiers were so violently opposed to the taxes and duties. The British government had enacted many policies to keep the colonies economically dependent on the mother country, such as outlawing ironworks in the colonies and suppressing manufacturing. I've read quite a few books about the Revolution and this was the most unexpectedly edifying on the motivations of the rebels in that aspect. This book justifies it's price on that subject alone. (Those uncomfortable with economics should know it was explained clearly enough that I could understand it well, despite having never taken an economics course.) Additionally, Franklin finally gets his due as a world-class scientist in this biography. As a scientist myself, I wish more had gone into the process of his many discoveries, but it seems likely that there just wasn't enough source material to expand. A note of criticism: in terms of psychological insight, the book leaves you a little bit wanting. His personal relationships with both men and women are notably detached and a little cold, but no real explanation is given for why this should be so for such an extroverted and warm man. The book quotes the opinion of other commentarors, such as conservative columnist David Brooks, quite a few times on the nature of his political beliefs. I would have preferred the authors own interpretations. The description of Franklin's transition from a peacemaker who finds himself the target of anger from American rebels for being too inclined to seek compromise- to one of the most passionate voices for independence is elegantly done. When I finished the book I felt like I had real understanding of Franklin as a person full of contractions. A man who loathed conflict but supported a revolution, who wrote The Way to Wealth but was an ardent champion of the common man, who was the darling of the French Court but disliked aristocracy... In other words, a real person, not a cardboard cutout.

This is an excellent book!!!!! Walter Isaacson brings Ben to life and I felt like I knew B. Franklin after reading it! I also gave as a present to a helpful neighbor! A must read for understanding Ben and our Country particularly understanding Democracy during the time of Trump!!! B. Franklin was the "first American "!!!!!

From the get-go, the brilliant American biographer, Walter Isaacson, reminds us that Benjamin Franklin is the Founding Father, "who smiles at us." He was a "Renaissance Man" in every sense of the term: a brilliant statesman, eminent scientist, and peripatetic sage of the Enlightenment. Benjamin Franklin's characteristic balance of an often generous, but nonetheless caustic wit and propensity for constant self-improvement remain, for my money, the imperishable fixtures of the American Enlightenment. From Birth, Franklin was determined to rankle and enlighten in equal measure. He grew up under the patronage of Calvinism, as was his father's (Josiah Franklin) wont, and young Benjamin was instructed to defer to its inflexible posture. Josiah refined his own pedagogy in such a way to augment his children's future to be without any particular consequence; it was a stern mixture of homespun paternal wisdom, conservative industry and, most importantly, the virtues of thrift. Josiah was less concerned with Franklin's personal fulfilment than he was with his ability to service the practical ends of industry and labour in a then largely agricultural America. From a young age, Franklin was experimental by nature, and the import of this trait was particularly present during his bold scientific adventures and as a man of letters, but his characteristic successes were often frustrated by other failed excursions. His first job was as a tallow chandler (candle maker) perhaps the least coveted occupation in history. His next job as an apprentice printer under his brother James was more fitting and it gave the young Franklin a taste of things to come in the world of the free press - both rewarding and detrimental. At this time, Franklin impertinently chose fraternal solidarity in an attempt to discredit Cotton Mather's support of smallpox inoculation; a glaring error on Franklin's part. This is an important historical anecdote, as it reveals Franklin's intransigent sense of duty to a cause and his disposition for self-improvement. After Franklin's self-imposed exile from Boston, Isaacson effortlessly chronicles his custom of travel and worldly pursuits. His next stop on the canvas of the American colonies would be, ironically enough, his official place of residence until death. It was to be Philadelphia that Franklin called home, and befitting to his fondness for the state of Pennsylvania, the region which complemented his love of practical sciences and writing. From political intrigues against the Penn proprietors to drawing electricity, Franklin intensified his scientific endeavours, and with a deft pen he infused playful prose with biting insight and political clarity as the official method of diplomacy. These traits were a real boon to his standing in England and, particularly as Minister Plenipotentiary, in France. He gladly assumed the role of an avuncular icon to the American people, and his patronage was returned with warmth and reverence. One of the reasons I found the narrative style so compelling is that Isaacson was apt to dispense with hero worship and has instead developed a synthesis of incisive political history, as well as an intimate portrait of a brilliant, but nonetheless flawed man. The Founding Fathers have been deified by the Christian apologetic in America as indefatigable, stoic, portentous stalwarts leading the charge of revolution against a criminal empire, but this is a grotesque and palpably untrue misapprehension. Not only was there great (and justified) trepidation with emancipation among the Founding Fathers and the American people, such an assertion also serves to undermine the irreverent charm and wit, which is what endeared the people to the Founding Fathers in the first place. Franklin had an insatiable sexual appetite, and never was this trait more distinct during his time as ambassador and courtier in France. Franklin's mission in France was an interesting social and political experiment because it suffused the salacious hedonism of the continental bourgeoisie with the starched can-do attitude of American stoicism. It was a harmonious cultural feast for the witty and lecherous Franklin and a complete disaster for the dour puritan, John Adams. France was a second home to Franklin, in more ways than one. His cause was to America, but it was the cultural bedrock of the European Enlightenment that defined Franklin as a human being. He was intimate with the likes of David Hume, Lord Kames, Adam Smith, Joseph Priestley, Thomas Paine, and Voltaire. These men were not only profound influences on Franklin; they were instrumental in forging the economic, scientific, political and ethical value systems we still live with today. As a result, Franklin's calculus of personal rights/oughts often clashed with his preternatural joy of high culture. This is a classically American tale, one of ambition, insight, intrigue, power, tragedy and farce. Isaacson, perhaps best known for his biography on Steve Jobs, artfully weaves the underpinning political, social, and moral issues, which drove Franklin and his countrymen into an epoch of breathless cultural achievements. This is top-drawer popular history.

Walter Isaacson's 'Benjamin Franklin', is probably one of the most definitive biographies of an extraordinary man, who not only enriched the lives of the new Americans, but also the French and many English as well with his good humor, philosophies, scientific discoveries and writings. Most of all, he was instrumental in crafting the Declaration of Independence with the likes of Thomas Jefferson and John Adams. Little known is how skilfully he politicked and maneuvered the French and British to a treaty which effectively ended the American Revolutionary war, even with spies from both sides in his midst. Mr Isaacson covers Franklins life from his early heritage in England through to his death in 1790. He lived to a grand old age of 84, quite remarkable for those times, especially after so many cross Atlantic sea journeys, taking up residence in both London and Passy, a classy neighborhood in Paris. Fortunately for us, Benjamin Franklin wrote many letters to family members, friends and foreign dignitaries that were kept, with many of their passages quoted in this biography, within the context of the time. Franklin wrote so beautifully, and it's antiquated style needs no interpretation. Mr Isaacson only sets us up to understand the purpose of those many letters and to whom they were addressed. Franklin's life is covered chronologically, so we don't feel like we're in a time warp, and we have the natural order of things. The substantive events and discoveries in Franklin's life are covered, supported by those many letters, and also his self-published works. We'd do well today if Benjamin Franklin was still alive, publishing his colorful editorial letters intended to quiet the noisy politicians and bring sense to the world. Mr Isaacson also introduces us to the many characters and famous souls who once had the pleasure of Franklins company and even made significant contributions to our world's history themselves. The in-fighting, spying, seducing and intellectual banter that went on. Surprising too is how detached Franklin was from his immediate family, especially his wife, Deborah, whom he left for long stretches of time alone in their home in Philadelphia. They would merely exchange letters, and she dutifully minded their house, never to visit him in Europe, and to even die alone while he was on an extended tour of duty in England. It is heart warming that Benjamin Franklin was somewhat of a celebrity in his time, especially in France. He relished the recognition, yet did not gloat or put on airs. He never looked up to the people who had inherited their wealth and good fortune, rather, he championed the hard working farmers, trades people and the middle class. He would probably balk at the disproportionate power and wealth that sits with the one percent class in America today. Not just a skilful politician, diplomat and writer, Franklin was also a man before his time, discovering and theorizing about science, including forecasting the weather and designing fire-resistant buildings. We all owe much to this extraordinary man, and to Walter Isaacson for enlightening us with this extraordinary biography.

I debated about giving this 4 or 5 stars. It is an excellent read but I settled on 4 stars because the book, even though very well written and even though Franklin was probably the most gifted and the most influential of all the Founding Fathers, did not capture my interest as much as the biographies of Adams, Hamilton, Washington, or Madison. I have not been able to ascertain whether it is Mr. Isaacson’s style of writing or whether it is due to the fact that none of the Founding Fathers, at least as presented in the book, was as imperturbable as Franklin. The man that was presented in this book had total confidence in himself and was able to overcome, with almost blasé nonchalance, the many, many obstacles that he encountered. He was almost devoid of the emotional angst that so riveted the other Founding Fathers. He was born into a laboring class family not a family of privilege as was Jefferson, Madison, and Washington. He did receive a basic education but for the most part he was self-taught. Despite his lack of education, he was able to develop a theory of electricity which allowed him to manufacture lightning rods for buildings. There were other inventions but this was the one that made him the idol of several Western countries, in particular, France. He believed in self-reliance, yet at the same time he believed that individuals working together were much more effective in achieving objectives than one individual working alone. Hence, he founded numerous societies and organizations, such as the Philadelphia Fire Department, University of Pennsylvania, American Philosophical Society. All of these had as their objective the creation of a more just and merciful society. He believed in frugality and yet he was quick to donate to charitable and patriotic causes. He was probably the greatest diplomat that the United States ever produced. It is unlikely that the French would have given the fledgling U.S. as much aid as they did had not the French almost worshipped Franklin. On the negative side, Franklin was not much of a husband. He left his common-law wife, Deborah, for decades while he lived in Europe and appears to have had numerous affairs in Deborah’s absence. (This trait probably further endeared him to the French.) Some of the blame for this situation can be placed on Deborah, for he pleaded with her to come with him to Europe but she refused to travel. If he was not much of a husband, he was a much worse excuse of a parent. He disowned his illegitimate son, William (whom he and Deborah raised, mother never known) because William supported the Loyalist cause in the colonies. After the war, William struggled for a reconciliation with Benjamin, but Benjamin, even though he forgave almost everyone else who had Loyalist leanings, would have nothing to do with William except to try to prevent him from having any means of supporting himself and having any contact with William’s illegitimate son, Temple. Benjamin’s daughter, Sally, worshipped Benjamin and struggled to impress him, but he often met her pleadings with criticisms that she needed to do more. In the book’s conclusion, the author, Isaacson, evaluates history’s view of Franklin. Over the centuries, it has oscillated between admiration bordering on idolization and abject disdain. Why disdain? Because Franklin represents the virtues of the middle class. To many, this is a boring life filled with trifles not a glorious existence of pursuing grand causes. To many his focus upon frugality, shows an emphasis upon the material world not the world of art or spirituality. I can only imagine Franklin’s answer to these criticisms. Life is filled with trivialities that must be performed. No person, no class of people is above performing these boring but essential activities. This is the most glorious cause of all, that we are all wiling to live on an equal plane with all others rather than one class being condemned to life’s repetitious necessities and another class being free of these shackles and being free to continually experience the euphoria of grandiose pursuits.