Outstanding Book - to most
If you are interested in history or politics, this book is a fantastic read about one of our Founding Fathers. It delves deeply into Mr. Franklin's personality and the reasons behind his behavior. It also talks about his alleged affairs in England and France. Whereas Mr. Franklin is a great thinker and wise, this books shows how he could be quite a scoundrel. Not only is a great book about Mr. Franklin, it is a great book about the the 'colonies' and the early United States. If you are not a fan of US history or politics, you may not enjoy this book as much.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewFebruary 24, 2010
Excellent book
Very interesting read. Isaacson uses many of Benjamin Franklin's own letters, published papers and other writings to emphasise and enhance the story. This is a must read for history buffs or students of American history. After reading more than half of the book I have a much better understanding and appreciation of Benjamin Franklin and understand how important a role he played in the creation of the U.S.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewJune 13, 2008
Anonymous
A great read
Issacson's thoroughly researched and eloquently written book about one of the most amazing figures in American history is both educational and thought-provoking. From his timeless life advice, to his many inventions, to his role in the American Revolution, the reader can't help but label Franklin a genius. The writing style appeals to those simply interested in learing more about Franklin and is not just for history buffs. Highly recommended.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewMarch 12, 2010
Great Work
An incredible look at America's first Founding Father. Many histories tend to overlook Franklin's importance in the American cause,but not Isaacson, who shows us not only what Franklin did, but who he was. He provides insight into his relations with family, friends, and other founding fathers during America's most pivotal moments. After reading this book you will be left wondering why Franklin is so overlooked and under appreciated in so many history books today.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewApril 08, 2010
The First American
First, about Franklin himself, I had NO idea how prolific he was with ideas. And how much involvement he had in forming our nation.
Secondly, the book is well-written. 80% of the book kept me turning page after page, wanting to know what happens next. Around the start of the second half of the book, Franklin's life was more 'tame' and wasn't quite as interesting to me. It was after his early successes and before the confrontations with the British. The author could probably have condensed this section a bit, but it's a nit.
Overall, this is a good read, very informative, and gives me a new appreciation for the First American.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewI Also Recommend:
February 22, 2010
How little I knew!
There may be better biographies on Franklin, but this one is a great blend of entertainment and knowledge. It moves along very nicely. Isaacson has digested Franklin's life into small focused periods. With short episodic looks at each period, Franklin's image becomes clear. So complex and made so easy to understand.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewDecember 27, 2009
Anonymous
Silence Dogood rides again
This book is incredible reading, learning many things about how the United States was formed from the 13 colonies, Ben Franklin was a master printer, columnist, ambassador and politician.
Long hours of research has gone into writing this book and the attention to detail is appreciated.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewAugust 15, 2009
Who Knew Ben Franklin Was So Interesting
As someone with an unusually deep background in early American history, I almost passed up this book because, of course, we all know as much as we care to know about Ben Franklin. What a surprise! This is one of the most entertaining and informative books I have ever read. I kept looking up and saying, "I never knew that!"
The author, Walter Isaacson, pushes past the cardboard image of the fat little sage with the witty sayings and the dangerous kite. The real Franklin steps from the pages with so many dimensions and so many (often overlooked) accomplishments that it is difficult to conceive how they could all be packed into one life. He was a man of towering achievements in science, civic organization, politics and diplomacy.
He also had his demons and he was hated and loved with passion. His family life was bizarre and his evolution to revolution was painful. The story of how England turned an ardent supporter into an implacable foe holds lessons with modern relevance.
If you enjoyed David McCullough's "John Adams," you will love this book. The research is as deep and it is much more readable.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewNovember 10, 2009
A Colonial American
"Benjamin Franklin" is engrossing. Franklin was a colonial innovator, publisher, writer, inventer,scientist, radical, genius. And his life was long & eventful. He was a common man who crossed the paths of the other Fouding Fathers during the momentous days of the American Revolution & played a prominent role in the creation of the American nation. He was a man of letters who entertained & was intimate with the intellectuals of Europe (Voltaire & his brethern). And, in this fascinating & brillant biography we meet the Benjamin Franklin who was perhaps the closest to a Renaissance Man as ever lived in America. It is entertaining, educational, provocative & reminds us that Franklin never lost the common touch yet walked the stage with some of the greatest men who ever lived. My favoirte story of Franklin comes upon the conclusion of the Constitutional Convention when, after being asked what form of nation the Founding Fathers had created, he replied "A Republic Madam,if you can keep it." This is a wonderful biography of a likeable, loveable rascal that rightfully belongs among the best biographies ever written.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewI Also Recommend:
December 12, 2006
Anonymous
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life
ADED 5510 Book Review Isaacson, W. (2003). Benjamin Franklin: An American Life. New York, New York: Simon & Schuster Introduction Walter Isaacson?s biographical work Benjamin Franklin: An American Life is conveyed as well-researched, orderly in a chronological sense, and filled with subtle insights into the life of one of nation?s most recognized colonial and revolutionary characters. While the text presents itself well as a thoughtful and thought-provoking scholarly work replete with the sophistication in language structure one might expect, it is nonetheless easy to read and entertaining as well as enlightening. Major Themes A core ?flavor? to the message being presented by the book is made apparent within the first few pages of the text, as the author extracts passages from a Franklin manuscript the displays with reflection and pride the story of person born into middle-class values and surroundings. The self-deprecating humor displayed by Benjamin Franklin from page one of the book and throughout the text provided evidence of the internal pride of the person. Even at moments when committing the indiscretions of youth, Franklin couches the scene as one that displays leadership (p.16). Thus, one theme of the text is internal pride and confidence in his inherent abilities. A second major theme of the text involves the industrious nature of his middle-class family and ancestry. The influence of his surroundings and family are carried forth throughout Franklin?s life in his work, belief is civic involvement for social and personal betterment, and faith in the common sense and abilities of the middle class citizenry. Necessity and frugality were core fibers of the person in that circumstance. While not destitute, there was not an abundance of financial or material resources to waste and waste itself was such an unnecessary and ignorant act, contrary to the early Puritan social fabric Benjamin Franklin existed in during his formidable years. A third major theme of the text is the spirit of natural curiosity and independence displayed by Franklin from his impressive consumption of written works including major literary works of his time. This is made evident throughout his life and noted in the book from a passage describing the titles he was reading even at age twelve (p. 25). It is important to depart for a moment here from the book to consider that remarkable literacy in the colonial times of the early 1700s. The independence of this intellectual being is also put forth in the passages that point to a recurrent point that Franklin did not lack ability to work hard and apply himself, but consistently displayed a resistance to be trapped into the norm of a rout occupation. While he had the greatest respect for and faith in all of the occupations and trades, he gravitated toward those occupational outlets that permitted his own expression and tinkering. A fourth thematic consideration is displayed in Franklin?s pragmatic ability of rationalization in terms of business or as humorously displayed when passenger he was passenger upon a becalmed boat during his early stint into vegetarianism. The only meal that presented itself was fish caught be the crew. Franklin was able to rationalize the situation he was presented and he ate the fish (p. 36). As the text points out early, the traits of the Puritan values and the Enlightenment of Locke were combined in the character of Franklin. The middle cla...
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewSeptember 28, 2006
Anonymous
Getting to know Benfamin Franklin
Everyone knows who Benjamin Franklin is, but do they really know who he really was? Walter Isaacson did a magnificent job of guiding the reader through Benjamin Franklin?s life and telling the story of his life thru his eyes. The Biography was told in a romantic story-like timeline of his life and his accomplishments that engages the reader. As a young lad, Benjamin, was curious and self teaching. He observed people around him so that he could learn how to interact with them and get the responses he so desired. As he entered his teen years he fine tuned his self learning with reading books and bringing his writing to perfection. Adult hood found Benjamin continuing his self teachings to advance himself socially and economically. Growing up in Boston during the early 1700?s seems to be easy for Benjamin he was ?generally the leader among the boys?. (pg16) He attended his schooling as his father wished, changing courses several times as his father wished, and each time he gained more knowledge with a bit of a rebellious nature. After voicing his distaste for working in his fathers soap shop he was placed in his brother?s shop to be an apprentice to learn the trade of a printer. This gave him the opportunity to get his hands on books, lots of books. His love of reading never faltered, it empowered him, it gave him confidence, and most of all it gave him the knowledge of an educated man. He learned to write better by testing himself over and over again from readings that he would rewrite over and over again. He was able to secretly write stories for his brother?s paper that captured the attention of the readers which in turn made money for his brother?s paper. He used this later in his adult life in a different manner for his own economic benefit. One thing that Benjamin learned early was that by showing you are intelligent creates jealousy. The older he became the more it becomes prominent of others jealousy, as he begins to use his power of conversation to find himself gaining friendship from influential and powerful dignitaries, his competitors and even his friends at certain times become is foe. At one point Benjamin writes, ?My mind, having been much more improved by reading than Keimer?s, I suppose it was for that reason my conversation seemed more valued.? (pg 53) Benjamin realized the power of jealousy and uses it to his advantage by creating a jealous Keimer. Keimer?s jealousy of Benjamin fuels the end of his own career and charges Benjamin?s. In conclusion, I know from listening to others talk about Benjamin that he was a man who liked to party and liked the women. Isaacson has told Benjamin?s story in a different light, the light of education. I did not know much about Benjamin Franklin until I read this book, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to gain an inside view of an American Inspiration. It brings to paper the reality that adults never stop learning, that there is different techniques of learning, and that one can learn from their mistakes. I found this book informative about our Nations history and the history of our educational system.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewJanuary 19, 2006
Anonymous
An American Rediscovered
Walter Isaacson?s book, Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, is an insightful and impeccably researched piece of scholarly work. This biography transports the reader right into the world of one of America?s best-known and loved founding fathers. Isaacson?s writing is clear, concise soundly documented, and readable. The book overflows with interesting facts previously unknown or forgotten. The reader will learn of Franklin and a young America the struggle for independence from England. Franklin?s life was a very intricate one, but Isaacson successfully unravels and separates fact from fiction to show the reader Franklin?s impressive successes and poignant failures. Franklin is rightfully given credit for his participation in the political and philosophical ideas that shaped America. His resolve helped create an accord with France that was crucial to America?s negotiations with England. Walter Isaacson?s 493 page book is a heavy read that takes getting into, but it is very much worth the effort. It covers Franklin, the inventor, philosopher, entrepreneur, philanthropist, diplomat, husband, father, friend and rebel. The book is brimming with important insights into a beloved American. Benjamin Franklin is at times called our ?first American?, and Walter Isaacson?s biography demonstrates why. Isaacson?s book is the definitive account of Benjamin Franklin?s life and should be read by all red, white and blue Americans.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewJune 25, 2005
Anonymous
Benny was very important indeed!
I knew that Franklin was an integral part of the American Revolution and I knew that there were some shady things regarding his personality. But when it comes to sheer enjoyment aka entertainment, this book is the best. It will give you knowledge you never thought possible of Ben Franklin. On top of being one of my favorite biographies of anybody, this book cements in place Ben Franklin as my favorite person to study. There is none better!
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewAugust 16, 2011
Wonderful Biography.
Now that I have a far better understanding of who Franklin was, of his character & talents, the things he believed in, the key roll he played in the founding of our nation and of his many accomplishments - I just Love the man.
Very well written, as are all Walter Isaacson's works.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewFebruary 15, 2011
What a Guy!
Great reading and really a good look at the life of perhaps our greatest American (sorry George, Tom, Abe, Teddy, Franklin & Harry). Hard to put down.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewAugust 03, 2009
Just OK
Perhaps its the subject but I imagine that Ben Franklin's life is much more interesting than the book makes it out to be. The writing isn't terrible, but it isn't story telling at it's finest either. The book does it's job in a rather slow plodding way, but I'm not drawn into it the way I am with other historical writers (e.g. The Great Bridge). It's keeping my interest enough to finish it, but I really only get through 2 or 3 pages each night before I'm ready to fall asleep.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewJanuary 06, 2009
Anonymous
Ben deserved better
This biography of Benjamin Franklin really disappointed me. First of all I did not like the style of writing from W Issacson. It was very disjointed jumping from one thought process to another and back again. I felt that there were too many quotations in the early part of the book telling of his youth and his start in business. Toward the middle and end there were too many facts just put out like a grocery list. However, it was informative and I discovered that Mr. Franklin was indeed a remarkable Renaissance man with a sincere conscience that was geared to the benefit of all men.
Having been offered a patent for what is now known as the Franklin Stove by the Governor of PA , declining he stated "As we enjoy great advantages from the invention of others, we should be glad of an opportunity to serve others by any invention of ours and this we should do freely and generously."
Without his intercession at the Constitutional Congress, many believe that our government would not have been sucessful in developing as it did.
I can't say that I would recommend this book but I won't say that it was all bad
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewJune 30, 2005
Anonymous
Way tooooooooo long!!!
I gave it a 3 because the book was very interesting and very informative, however I do disagree with it being entertaining because of the length. Chockful of nice details but at the same time some of the details were just too trivial. If instead of 24 hours...perhaps the length were cut in half I would certainly give it a 4 or even a 5. zzzzzzzzzz!!!!!!
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewJune 14, 2005
Anonymous
Thank God There Was Franklin
I found this book so fascinating and an inspiration in many ways to my own aspirations in what I want to do in my life and for my life. I didn't realize just how much Franklin was an integral part of the beginning of this nation and especially the early notion of what it meant to be an american; a notion that still persists today.
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this reviewMarch 14, 2005
Anonymous
Meeting Ben Franklin!
This book was excellent. I wish Isaacson would write a book on every major figure of the Founding of this Country. I would read them all. As a History major, who struggles to remember things, this book helped me see Benjamin Franklin as the man and statesmen. By realizing Franklin's faults (treatment of family, relationship with son, etc.), you are able to think of him not as a man of marble, but a man of flesh. I recommend this book to all!
Was this review helpful? YesNo
Report this review
No comments:
Post a Comment