books:

	Benjamin Franklin: An American Life Walter Isaacson Simon & Schuster, 2004 - 608 pages average customer review:based on 199 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

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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Wonderfully Written

Walter Isaacson writes history so that it reads like an excellent, exciting novel. This biography is a page-turner.

Moreover, the author writes with subtle humor.

Isaacson's research is accurate and extensive, which makes it even more amazing that the book does not have the format of a history textbook.

This history of Benjamin Franklin is filled with stories of family feuds, Franklin's methods of advancing his career, his flirtations, an illegitimate son, a common-law marriage, his travels, agreements and disagreements with other people of his day, in contrast to his ever-changing views of morality and religion. We feel as if we know Benjamin Franklin personally as we read Isaacson's words. Moreover, we learn so much along the way, painlessly and joyfully.

Every word is carefully selected; nothing needs to be cut.

Isaacson's grammar is perfect, which is extremely refreshing. Many modern authors cause me to believe that I should have a red pen to correct grammatical errors while reading their works.

Walter Isaacson's book on Einstein is also absolutely wonderful, with similar qualities. (Hence my review of that book is similar to this review.)

If Benjamin Franklin is the "founding father who winks at us"; Walter Isaacson is the author, journalist, and historian who winks at us.

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Excellent!!!

It is enlightening how the spectrum at which Benjamin Franklin's contributions to America can hardly be contained in one book. A glimpse into his common sense, wisdom, and morality are organized with precision and passion through Walter Isaacson's masterpiece. I now better understand Franklin's connection with other fathers of our country and have a deeper desire to learn about them as well.

Futhermore, I am impressed at the background of the author. His experience and education give me more respect for his work.


Terrific bio of a uniquely American character

'Benjamin Franklin: An American Life'

This is a truly superb biography of our nations most interesting Founding Father...okay, most interesting in my opinion. The reader will explore the razor sharp wit & ingenuity and walking contradiction that was Benjamin Franklin. This uniquely American character is brought vividly into life by Walter Isaacson, beginning with young Ben's struggles working for his brother in Boston, subsequently running away to Philadelphia with nothing but a few coins and some puffy bread and in the end, arguably, revolutionizing modern science and culture. The shrewd politician is also illustrated: his contribution to the founding of America and his surprisingly numerous mid and later years spent away from home in France among other European countries.

Mr. Isaacson does not shy away from pointing out the character flaws and odd family life that Benjamin Franklin created. The troubled relationship with his son is explored and the reader feels the strain caused by being away from his wife and daughter for years on end.

This is a fascinating and extremely well balanced account of one of America's most interesting personalities. To boot, the book is thoroughly researched, clearly well written and truly enjoyable to read. Walter Isaacson has mastered the art of biography and `Benjamin Franklin' is proof thereof. Enjoy your reading.

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Great Author

I read his Einstien book, and I enjoyed the way Mr. Issacason wrote.
I have not started this bood yet, but if he could make Einstein so interesting, I am sure he will do so for Benjamin Franklin.


Wonderfully detailed and objective

In "Benjamin Franklin," Walter Isaacson manages to chronicle the life of Franklin in a thorough, well-analyzed fashion, while simultaneously allowing the reader to draw many of his own conclusions from the research presented in the book.

I was intrigued to read this book after reading David McCullough's "John Adams." It's certainly no secret that Adams and Franklin did not get along terribly well during the bulk of their interactions in Europe, and reading that book left me guessing that, in all likelihood, there was another side to the story.

While at times it seemed that McCullough could be somewhat heavy-handed in his judgment toward Franklin, I felt that Isaacson did a good job presenting the most likely facts of the case and allowing the reader to determine the most likely manner in which the pieces fit together. He did certainly tend to err on the more sympathetic side of controversies surrounding Franklin, and was probably to generous in his judgment of Franklin's thoroughly practical and emotionless approach toward religion.

One thing I appreciated about this book relative to most other colonial era biographies was the focus on the years prior to the revolution, which obviously encompassed the bulk of Franklin's life. Franklin's life leading up to the revolution seems to serve as a microcosm of the views of the colonies in the years between the French and Indian War and the Revolution.

All in all, I heartily recommend this book to anyone with an interest in colonial America and the founding fathers.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

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