Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

This is a well written biography that kept me wanting to turn the page throughout. Isaacson does well to develop the full character of Franklin; from his industrious, scientific and philanthropic strengths, to his real and perceived weaknesses.

Whether you choose to like or dislike the man (overall I choose the former) there is no doubt that this Democratic Republic would never have been as free or as strong (if successful at all) had not Benjamin Franklin been there laying the foundation. ( )

I agree with a previous reviewer that Franklin is my "spirit founding father"! A well written and well researched biography which I found easy and enjoyable to read. ( )

5752. Benjamin Franklin An American Life, by Walter Isaacson (read 23 Jul 2021) I read on 8 Dec 1991 The Wise Men, of which Isaacson was the co-author, and on 8 May 2007 Isaacson's life of Einstein and found both books excellent. This biography of Franklin is also very carefully researched and well-written. Franklin was born 17 Jan 1706 in Boston, in 1723 ran away to Philadelphia, was a printer, an inventor, and a statesman, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776, signed the peace treaty ending the Revolution, was at the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and died 17 Apr 1790. There are things in his life not too admirable but on balance he served his country well and deserves to be revered as an important Founding Father. ( )

Well written, interesting details, provides the information and some interpretation but there is enough original source information the reader can decide whether they believe the interpretation or have a different one. ( )

I enjoyed this biography a great deal...as I always do when reading books by Water Isaacson. I especially liked the way Mr. Isaacson reconciled different views of Benjamin Franklin at the end of the book. The book was well researched and presented a balanced view.

Benjamin Franklin was a fascinating person, with a broad range of interests and always blending curiosity with a strong sense of practicality. I think he would be saddened by the lack of compromise that is dividing U.S. political parties today.

Mr. Franklin accomplished so much, and had so many friends and admirers. He was a great man, unless you happened to be his wife or child. Why is it that so many great people seem to let their families down? ( )