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bailgmyers's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Walter Isaac’s gives us an in depth look into the like and good works of one of the most important Printer who ever lived.
jerzzhang's review against another edition
5.0
Was skeptical at first about how interested I would be in an autobiography documenting the English Colonization and American Revolution Era. But Isaacson did a great job making the story interesting and portraying all aspects of Franklin's life truthfully. It was exciting learning about the moral principles that Franklin lived by and his expeditions into business, science, and diplomacy. The book also helped me shape my own beliefs on how life should be lived.
terrirankl's review against another edition
challenging
funny
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
janiebee's review against another edition
4.0
Walter Isaacson is the best biographer. I thought I knew quite a bit about Benjamin Franklin but I learned so much more about this compelling figure. He lived so much of his life in Europe and was definitely not the best of husbands yet he was so creative and and incredible diplomat.
kellyrenea's review against another edition
5.0
Book 38 of 2023: Really enjoyed this biography. I loved learning more about this founding father’s life. A self-made-man who lived an extraordinary life.
jimbowen0306's review against another edition
3.0
I finished "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" today. Since I became interested in America history, I have read biographies of Washington, Jefferson, Adams, Hamilton and, now, Franklin. None really entered my heart, though Adams is the one I have most affection for. I think I'm not too fond of them because they spent a while kick British butt while they were alive.
This book is a thorough biography of Ben Franklin. It starts with his early life, covers his escapades in printing, his literary and scientific pretensions (though I'm more inclined to argue he was an inventor rather than a scientist), his slow conversion to being an advocate for American nationhood and his post war ambassadorship roles.
In each period in his life,Franklin is presented as a dedicated, hard working humourous man, who was committed to what he believed in. You get a good sense of what he is like and why he's important. If you're interested in him and his impact on American history, you can do a lot much worse than this book.
So why am I so ho-hum about the guy? Well it's the way that he treats his family I have concerns about. He never formally "made an honest women" out of his wife by marrying her. He had illegitimate children (who he really screwed after the War of Independence), and flirted heavily with anything in a skirt.
Given how I view family, I'm sorry to say that he was lessened in my eyes by this book. I wanted a little bit of hero worship. When I didn't get it, I found myself getting more and more disconcerted by the book. If you can overlook how he treated his family, you'll enjoy this book. If you can't get round his attitudes to family, don't read it because his family issues will only get in the way.
This book is a thorough biography of Ben Franklin. It starts with his early life, covers his escapades in printing, his literary and scientific pretensions (though I'm more inclined to argue he was an inventor rather than a scientist), his slow conversion to being an advocate for American nationhood and his post war ambassadorship roles.
In each period in his life,Franklin is presented as a dedicated, hard working humourous man, who was committed to what he believed in. You get a good sense of what he is like and why he's important. If you're interested in him and his impact on American history, you can do a lot much worse than this book.
So why am I so ho-hum about the guy? Well it's the way that he treats his family I have concerns about. He never formally "made an honest women" out of his wife by marrying her. He had illegitimate children (who he really screwed after the War of Independence), and flirted heavily with anything in a skirt.
Given how I view family, I'm sorry to say that he was lessened in my eyes by this book. I wanted a little bit of hero worship. When I didn't get it, I found myself getting more and more disconcerted by the book. If you can overlook how he treated his family, you'll enjoy this book. If you can't get round his attitudes to family, don't read it because his family issues will only get in the way.
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.