Scan barcode
uzzair's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Ben Franklin, one of the most influential personalities in the history of the USA is obviously raised to divinity. The obvious flaws being human displayed here just shows that even geniuses are full with it. Much enjoyed this detailed biography.
tgannon's review against another edition
4.0
We may recall Benjamin Franklin conducted an experiment with lightning, a kite, and a key, signed the Declaration of Independence, and suggested Daylight Savings Time, but why does Benjamin Franklin endure to the American public almost 230 years after this death in 1790? Why is Franklin remembered more for his wit than his achievements?
Walter Isaacson, in the biography “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life,” makes the argument that Franklin was so precocious, novel, and intelligent, as well as being partly responsible for molding so much of the best aspects of America’s personality, that he should be remembered more for his great achievements over his witticisms. Though by no means diminishing Franklin’s delightful wryness, humor, or pragmatic approach to life, Isaacson asserts that the “aura” of Ben tends to overshadow his scientific, literal, and political achievements to the average American. However the central thesis is this: Franklin’s pragmatism is what holds it all together, and why after 200 years, he endures.
A fast read with some new insight, “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” is worth your time if you are looking for a cursory glance at America’s favorite grandfather as to understand why Americans should and will continue to revere him so much.
Walter Isaacson, in the biography “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life,” makes the argument that Franklin was so precocious, novel, and intelligent, as well as being partly responsible for molding so much of the best aspects of America’s personality, that he should be remembered more for his great achievements over his witticisms. Though by no means diminishing Franklin’s delightful wryness, humor, or pragmatic approach to life, Isaacson asserts that the “aura” of Ben tends to overshadow his scientific, literal, and political achievements to the average American. However the central thesis is this: Franklin’s pragmatism is what holds it all together, and why after 200 years, he endures.
A fast read with some new insight, “Benjamin Franklin: An American Life” is worth your time if you are looking for a cursory glance at America’s favorite grandfather as to understand why Americans should and will continue to revere him so much.
marieintheraw's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, Ben my boy, you are a fun man to learn about.
patmcmanamon's review against another edition
4.0
A little tougher to read than I expected, but in the end I’m glad to get through it. Learned a lot about a man who stood for the common man, for tolerance and for understanding and compromise.
claym's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
5.0
dualmon's review against another edition
4.0
A book that humanizes Franklin without trashing him. I expected Franklin to be more epic, to be honest.
ameyawarde's review against another edition
4.0
I've always loved Benjamin Franklin since I saw a PBS special on him as a kid and felt kindred spirits with him, and this was a good read to flesh him out some more. No question in my mind he was neurodiverse (which explains why i felt such a connection to him as a kid) but also he was certainly problematic, as can be expected of someone from the time, and though he was less so than many back then. That he owned slaves was the biggest shock and heartbreak for me, though it was refreshing to see, unlike people like Jefferson who intellectually was mostly against slavery, Benjamin Franklin did grow and be less of a terrible person by the end, and ended up being president of the "Philadelphia Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage" aka Abolition Society, and petitioned congress to end slavery. He still was far from what we'd call anti-racist today, but he's a good counter-example for people who try to excuse slavery as "white people didn't know better back then" (which is such a bizarre argument in the first place), because even back then people were against it from the start, and others, like Franklin, were able to see the errors of their ways and change back then, too.
Anyway. Long book, but very interesting for anyone interested in Franklin!
Anyway. Long book, but very interesting for anyone interested in Franklin!
jasperburns's review against another edition
4.0
View my best reviews and a collection of mental models at jasperburns.blog.
jsimms435's review against another edition
3.0
I learned a lot about Franklin in this book that I did not know. Especially regarding his early years and his work as a printer. I appreciate his tendency to focus on the practical and his belief that he can best serve God by serving his fellow man. He sounds like a highly practical person, but not a spiritual one or member of any church.
This book also looked at Franklin's personal relationship which seem to be a contradiction at times. Flirting with women in England and France and spending 15 of his last 17 years in Europe away from his wife who lived in Pennslyvania. I felt sorry for his wife Deborah at times in this book. It was also interesting that this man who preached tolerance so much had estranged relationships from so many men that he was once friends with including his own son William who he seemed to have a cold relationship with. Overall, I didn't like the Franklin very much that I read about in this book. It was very well researched and detailed.
This book also looked at Franklin's personal relationship which seem to be a contradiction at times. Flirting with women in England and France and spending 15 of his last 17 years in Europe away from his wife who lived in Pennslyvania. I felt sorry for his wife Deborah at times in this book. It was also interesting that this man who preached tolerance so much had estranged relationships from so many men that he was once friends with including his own son William who he seemed to have a cold relationship with. Overall, I didn't like the Franklin very much that I read about in this book. It was very well researched and detailed.
fuzzkins's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Fascinating and detailed. Told in a slightly chatty way that keeps the reader engaged. However, the chapters after his death were long winded and could have been greatly reduced.