A review by davehershey
Benjamin Franklin: An American Life by Walter Isaacson

4.0

What to say about Ben Franklin? He is one of the most well-known and enduring of the founding fathers because of his pithy sayings and experiments with lightening. This book engagingly tells the story of his life and I learned a lot I did not know before. For example, Franklin was kind of a jerk to his family. As I read, I was disappointed to see a man who appeared more engaged and in love with all sorts of other people while showing little tenderness to his family. But life is complex and people are crazy, hence the title an "American" life not a "perfect" life. Despite his shortcomings, there is obviously a lot to like about Franklin. He managed to excel in such diverse areas, from printer to inventor to diplomat. Overall, a well-written biography of a fascinating man.