Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

Read if you are looking for: A greater understanding of the USA, leadership, philosophy Walter Isaacson is one of the greatest biographers writing today, and this book is exceptional (he is also known for his biography of Steve Jobs). Isaacson leads you through Franklin’s long and fascinating life, starting with his success as a printer and writer in Philadelphia, and spanning through his forays and discoveries as a scientist and inventor, his success as an ambassador during the American War of Independence, where he helped broker support from France, and the ultimate peace with Britain, and as a signatory to the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution. Franklin championed the virtues of industriousness and values of the working class and thus was instrumental in shaping the development of the American character and national identity. In many ways, Franklin personifies the difference in attitude between the United States and the old world of Europe in the 18th century. Franklin is an inspirational character and his focus on self-education is particularly noteworthy. Although his formal schooling ended when he was ten, he continued his education on his own through reading voraciously, writing under a pseudonym for his brother’s newspaper and forming clubs and societies with the intention to develop and share knowledge. During his time in Paris towards the end of his life, he was revered as a philosopher and academic and even considered by some a peer of Voltaire - pretty good for someone with only two years of formal education. His success as a statesman and ambassador can be attributed to his ability to control his pride and ego, utilising silence as a tool in negotiations and most importantly his understanding of the power of compromise. Franklin’s ability to compromise contributed to much of his success and his skill at knowing when to concede and let his opponent save face can be seen again and again during the negotiations for French support, peace with Britain and facilitating agreement regarding the United States Constitution. Moreover, this understanding of compromise can also be seen in his wider beliefs, from balancing the desire to be financially successful with his belief of frugality, to his religious tolerance. Franklin deep curiosity shaped how he viewed the world, never taking himself too seriously, he didn’t approach problems as an expert or academic. Instead his playfulness and ability to experiment galvanised his success as a writer, inventor, scientist and statesman. Franklin definitely deserves the title of the greatest American and is a role model to us all. Major Takeaways: (i) The importance of Franklin in creating the American identity (ii) The power of compromise (iii) importance of self-education (iv) the power of silence and listening during a negotiation.

I had previously read the author's biography of Einstein and thoroughly enjoyed it, so when I suddenly decided I had to learn about Franklin for whatever reason, I snapped this up. The book is comprehensive, well written, engaging and very readable. I will be revisiting the author.

The biographer has added many details that we don't learn from BF's own memoir but leaves out some interesting detail from his early life that is in there, so I thought it needed more in that respect. So far, I have less respect for BF as a citizen than I had before starting this book.

Yet another masterpiece from Mr Isaacson. He displays not a trace of writerly ego but nevertheless manages to infuse this beautifully coherent narrative with warmth, liberalness and references to values that we today will recognise. He brings Franklin alive to the modern world in such an entertaining, human way that I wish I could give this book more than five stars. The clashes between high ideals and political reality, the conflicts between Franklin's beliefs and his human frailties are not dissected but rather flow in a sort of novelistic way that respects the reader's ability to join the dots. You can't fail to smile reading this book, and you can't fail to learn from it.

Second book bought by this author. Looking forward to starting it. Well produced. Good quality.

Benjamin Franklin was one of the wisest guys in history. This is one of the best books I've read in year's. It's a book I always go back to.

This book is definitely worth the read for a range of reasons: an engaging story, well written, amusing and clear, it provides an enjoyable way of learning not only about Benjamin Franklin but also the significant events of which he was apart in all that surrounded American independence from the British Empire. If you are reading from a scholarly perspective, however, or merely notice things being out of their proper place, buy the hard copy rather than using Kindle. I found a number of notes which are shown on the page as opposed to linked to the back displaced, and this was annoying and confusing. For the book itself, I would give 5 stars. For the Kindle edition, imperfect as it is, only 4.

A great insight into a very interesting man. I had no idea of much of the content before reading the book. It is fascinating to discover the range and variety of Franklins interests, accomplishments and shortcomings

Good

Great topic. Interesting detail that are not well known

A fantastic book. Gives a very balanced view of one of the greatest personalities of his era. A great scientist, entrepreneur and statesman- he changed the course of American history and was instrumental not only in the freedom movement but also in unifying the states under one Union and writing of the Constitution. But the greatest trait of Benjamin Franklin was that he always kept his feet firmly on the ground thereby raising the dignity of the 'blue apron' people. His frugality and always maintaining his status as a 'printer' is a great lesson for today's politicians. A must read.

Una biografía excelente de un personaje fascinante. Recoge generosamente la historia americana del momento. El libro se lee como una de esas novelas que no puedes dejar.

I bought this as Elon recommended it. Overall, it’s a very worthwhile book. Ben was an amazing individual. I do find the writing style a little ‘jerky’. The sentence structure often does some callisthenics to get to the point. (New Yorker anyone?) After awhile I got used to it, so maybe it’s not a big deal. It could use a rewrite to improve the word flow. It has some much appreciated illustrations that I wasn’t expecting. As for the physical attributes, the hardcover is solid with blue paper covering, with embossed gold print on the spine. Binding is of good quality however their paper cutter needs sharpening, unless they wanted it looking rough. (See photo) Curious as Ben was a printer, so I would expect the best quality of book making as a nod to his profession. But maybe I’m just too picky, or maybe the printer wanted it to look rough and sloppy. Otherwise a great book that I’m glad I purchased. I recommend you get a copy and read it.