I think Walter Isaacson did a really nice job with this biography.

Everyone is aware that Benjamin Franklin is regarded as a “polymath”, but after delving into this book, it almost seems as if they coined that term specifically to describe him. What an extraordinary life he led.

Perhaps I’ll just touch on a couple of things that really stood out. There was Isaacson’s vivid description of Franklin’s personal life, which reveals a complex and far-from-perfect individual. Someone who was extremely adept at charming people yet had difficulties in maintaining truly strong relationships.

His relationship with his wife was rather distant. Literally, as he was across the ocean for 15 years of their marriage, and metaphorically as well. Although they always seemed to get along and were a reasonably good match. His son being a loyalist to the King led to a permanent rift in their relationship. He didn’t have any truly close male friends. With women, he wasn’t as outrageously lecherous and womanizing as he has often been portrayed, but he did have a lot of rather strange relationships with women that were highly flirtatious and more emotionally intense than his relationship with his wife.

Isaacson is a huge admirer of Franklin. He lauded him as “the greatest American diplomat of all times” for, among other things, his remarkable success in securing French support for the American Revolution. He also credits Franklin as being immensely influential in arriving at some of the key compromises that ultimately led to the signing of the Constitution. Those are just a couple of examples. The entire book is Isaacson expressing his profound appreciation for the man.

At the conclusion of the book, Isaacson mentioned something that I was previously unaware of. There was a period in the 19th century when there was a “backlash” against Franklin. Several influential artists and writers severely criticized him, claiming that his insights were limited to mundane things like financial success and being practical. They felt that he didn’t have anything truly interesting to say that was deeply philosophical or poetic.

The book did have some parts that felt a little tiresome. But overall, it provided great insights into Franklin’s crucial contributions and how his brilliant mind functioned.

I completed reading the book, still firmly convinced that Franklin was an extremely fascinating and wise individual.

Nevertheless, although I gained a great deal of knowledge about the man, I couldn't help but notice that the narrative seemed rather repetitive and disjointed at times.

There are several interesting aspects worth reflecting upon.

Franklin was already 69 years old when the American Revolution commenced, which was an advanced age, especially when compared to a 43-year-old Washington and a 32-year-old Jefferson.

He spent a substantial part of his life outside the US and had even contemplated retiring to England before the war.

Franklin left France just a few years before it descended into its own revolution, having made numerous friends there who would later lose their lives.

Despite being renowned as the thrifty Poor Richard from his almanac, Franklin effectively retired halfway through his life and dedicated himself wholeheartedly to science, statecraft, and education.

This complex and multi-faceted figure continues to intrigue and inspire, even with the flaws in the narrative of his life story.

What a remarkable character this guy was.

Most Americans predominantly view Franklin as a Founding Father and statesman, perhaps also remembering his interesting science experiments on the side. However, the reality is quite the opposite. In fact, his printing career and scientific pursuits were an integral part of his story.

To begin with, he was a true entrepreneur. Starting as a printing apprentice, he purchased the shop where he worked and transformed it into a prosperous, multi-franchise enterprise across the colonies. His travels to different locations gave him a unique perspective when independence discussions emerged. He was one of the few who had witnessed the entire (future) country and understood how it could be unified.

Moreover, his fame was considerable. Unlike other Founding Fathers who gained notoriety during the Revolution, Franklin was already an international celebrity by that time. This was mainly due to his scientific advancements, which, in the eyes of many, placed him on par with Newton. What I admired about his science was its practical nature. He wasn't lost in the realm of theory that few could comprehend but instead focused on studying science for its applicability to real life.

This fame made him an excellent choice as Congress's representative to France. I have some misgivings about how well he served America there. On one hand, he learned how the French operated and used that knowledge to gain their favor, leading to their support. On the other hand, at times it seemed he preferred being in France over America and perhaps didn't advocate for America's interests as passionately as others might have. Was he a masterful diplomat or self-indulgent? Whatever the answer, it all worked out in the end.

Then there is his personal life, where I must admit he was rather hypocritical. He loved to dispense advice in catchy phrases (as Poor Richard) but often failed to follow his own counsel. He never firmly adhered to a particular doctrine of faith and was generally accepting of others' beliefs. However, I had the impression that his lack of a fixed doctrine was less a progressive form of deism and more a result of his reluctance to be bound by a set of morals. For instance, he had an illegitimate child, left his wife for many years while he was in Europe, and had several flirtatious relationships with other women. I believe he didn't want to confront these transgressions and thus allowed his moral code to be rather flexible.

Nevertheless, America owes a great deal to Franklin. It is certain that the country would not be the same (if it existed at all) without his contributions.

Just like I had imagined, delving deeper into the details about the brilliant, witty, creative, flawed, yet inspiring Ol' Ben was truly fascinating.

It is a thick, substantial book, like a chunky monkey, but it's a great one to slowly peruse while listening to the fantastic audiobook.

I highly recommend it for lovers of Colonial American history to add to their personal libraries. I myself bought a beautiful paperback copy for mine.

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Walter Isaacson has once again crafted a remarkable biography.

It doesn't just present a chronological account of what person X did and when. Instead, it delves deep into why this person is significant and worthy of our time and effort to understand better.

Take Benjamin Franklin, for example. Isaacson takes the familiar image of Franklin and brings him into sharp focus, no easy feat after 300 years.

By the end, I felt I finally had a clear picture of who this man was and agreed that he was an extraordinary individual who played a pivotal role in the creation of the United States, perhaps a role that no one else could have fulfilled.

Franklin charted his own course. He left home and an abusive apprenticeship to shape his own destiny. He was one of the first to write out a list of traits he aspired to.

He had a diverse range of interests and pursued them wholeheartedly. Through this, he made a name for himself in the sciences, especially with his breakthroughs in understanding electricity.

This fame and respect allowed him to further the cause of the Colonies as their representative in England and then France.

Isaacson uses Franklin's many letters to beautifully construct a portrait of the man.

This is far more satisfying than reading a biography where the author comes in with a preconceived idea and then cherry-picks sources to support it.

Isaacson draws on primary sources and is not afraid to quote and cite numerous previous biographies.

One example is a quote by Barbara Oberg that succinctly captures Franklin's achievement in being able to compromise.

Franklin has been criticized for having middle-class values and being too willing to compromise.

But Isaacson points out that Franklin was willing to sacrifice the allure of martyrdom and a reputation as an unyielding hero to achieve something lasting for the people: a democracy.

He truly cared about his fellow Americans, as shown by the volunteer organizations he started.

The ultimate proof of his regard for his fellow humans is his belief in democracy, an optimistic belief that the people as a whole will do the right thing.

At the end of "The Magnificent Seven," one of the gunfighters tells a kid that he should look to his dad and the men of the village as his heroes.

These are the people Benjamin Franklin admired and trusted with the country's future.

Isaacson movingly reveals Franklin's tireless efforts and genius in promoting these values and seeing them established.

Incredibly thorough examination of Franklin's life. Franklin was not just one thing but a multi-faceted individual. He was a printer, a piercing writer whose words had the power to influence. A publicist who knew how to get the message across. An electrifying scientist, constantly exploring and making discoveries. A keen diplomat, handling delicate negotiations with finesse. An avid organizer of intellectual and civic communities, bringing people together for a common good. A middling politician, yet still making an impact. And of course, a Founding Father, playing a crucial role in the birth of a nation. Truly a Renaissance Man that deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as Da Vinci and no one lesser.

Isaacson is at his most penetrating when discussing Franklin's imprint on America's self-conception. Franklin's evaluation by each subsequent generation is like a mirror reflecting that period's values. There was something in Franklin for everyone to love or hate. His pragmatic, middle-class virtues emphasized frugality, economic mobility, and industry. This made him an icon for Gilded Age America, but a pariah for the Romantic Transcendentalist movement that came just before. His love for experimentation and practicality at the expense of theoretical analysis has earned him both friends and foes, depending on the historian. And his conservative, almost populist ideals found themselves side by side with a democratic spirit that made Pennsylvania's Constitution the most democratic of all 13 states. All this Isaacson makes consistent and legible, which is no small feat.

If there is anything wanting of this biography, it is more focus on this complex legacy that Franklin left, and less on the particular details of his personal life. But that is perhaps my bias, because I find this legacy so compelling. It is a story that continues to fascinate and inspire, and one that Isaacson has done an excellent job of uncovering and presenting.

I can't continue with this.

Franklin himself is truly fascinating. His life is filled with numerous achievements and interesting aspects. However, the author of this work is entirely too enamored and uncritical. It seems as if the author has an almost obsessive admiration for Franklin, which leads to a lack of objectivity.

The author also repeats himself over and over again. This repetition reaches a point where he is even repeating laudatory quotes about Franklin from other writers. It becomes tiresome and makes the reading experience less engaging.

Meanwhile, when it comes to less flattering fronts, such as Franklin's initial attitudes toward slavery, the author is quite brief and succinct. He abandons the minute detail with which he approaches Franklin's more admirable qualities. This lack of in-depth exploration of the less favorable aspects gives a one-sided view of Franklin.

The author is also overly taken with Franklin as an avatar of what he refers to repeatedly as "the American character." The author defines this character as a thoroughly commendable (in his estimation) adherence to the notion that doing good and getting rich (or at least very comfortably prosperous) go hand in hand.

The final straw was at around 160 or so pages. There was a simpering account of Franklin's first extended "flirtation" described in saccharine terms that are absolutely cringe-worthy. The author flatly declares that these "romantic" episodes were "probably never consummated" without even a footnote to explain this assertion.

No. Just no. I would like to read more about Franklin, but not from this author. I渴望 to read a biography that presents a balanced and objective view of Franklin, not a hagiography that idolizes him without any critical analysis.

Benjamin Franklin is a remarkable figure in American history.

He was not only a statesman but also a scientist, inventor, and writer.

Franklin's early life was filled with challenges. He started working at a young age to support his family.

However, he never gave up on his thirst for knowledge.

He taught himself various subjects and became a self-made man.

As a scientist, Franklin made significant contributions. His experiments with electricity led to the discovery of many important principles.

He also invented several useful devices, such as the lightning rod.

In addition to his scientific achievements, Franklin was actively involved in politics.

He played a crucial role in the American Revolution and was one of the Founding Fathers of the United States.

His diplomatic skills helped to secure important alliances for the young nation.

Overall, Franklin's life is an inspiration. His story shows that with hard work, determination, and a love for learning, one can achieve great things.

This detailed biography provides a wealth of information about Franklin, revealing aspects of his life that many may not have known before.

It offers a fascinating look into the mind and character of this extraordinary man.

Probably the best biographical source on Benjamin Franklin is straight from the horse's mouth... his Autobiography. However, Isaacson's book is definitely an engaging read and fairly exhaustive.

My initial impression is that the author is careful in not falling into the trap that so many biographers often do. That is, they deify their protagonist. Isaacson takes an objective approach to Franklin. He enumerates his many flaws. Or at least what most would perceive as flaws when attributed to one of the American founders.

More specifically, Franklin is repeatedly, and appropriately, described as less than a perfect father or husband. Furthermore, he is also appropriately described as having a substantial veneration for France. In today's political climate, this is not an attribute most Americans would want to attribute to one of the leading founders.

Summarily, Isaacson's book is an excellent narrative of Franklin's life from beginning to end. It is a great starting point for any study of Franklin. It is a bare bones assessment of the man who was determined to be one of the "Greatest Americans" of all time. Though he himself was unsure of his identity until later on in life.

I swear I had no idea that he would become Job's biographer when I bought this book. I made the purchase after reading the Einstein biography by Mr. Isaacson several months ago. This biography is on a par with that one. It is both insightful and complete, allowing us to gain a good appreciation for this mythical patriot of American values.

Now, the one concern I have is that Mr. Isaacson seems to be preaching about these so-called American values in nearly every other paragraph. His point, of course, is that Ben Franklin was extremely instrumental in shaping the American destiny. He was the creator of the US Postal Service, the designer of the dollar, the founder of the militia, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and was involved in peace accords with England and France as well as the Constitution. However, I think that the point became a bit overwhelming after a while. America was created by tens of thousands of patriots, and while old Ben was important, he was not the only one.

As for the subject himself, he was fascinating. I especially preferred his early years of scientific inquiry and base politics in Pennsylvania over his later diplomacy and somewhat idle living. Actually, the first 50 or so years of his life are covered in only the first 100 or so pages, while the next 400 pages deal with the last 30 years. It's a bit disproportionate, but given the importance of the American Revolution and all, it still makes sense. Still, at times I felt that it wasn't long enough when dealing with his science and philosophy, and it was too long when dealing with his many acquaintances and diplomatic contacts.

Since this is the first Ben Franklin biography I have read, I would be wrong to say that this one is the "best one". In any case, it is both entertaining and educational, and a nice read. Will I be reading the bio of Kissinger by the same author? Definitely not. And Jobs? Well, maybe, but my reading list is still a bit backed up, so not in the next 6 months, I'm afraid. I'll let the hype die down a bit first.

Franklin has always held a special allure for me and has long been my favorite among the Founding Fathers, just edging out Jefferson. So, I was truly delighted when I finally took this biography off the shelf and delved into it.

It is truly astonishing to consider all that Franklin accomplished in his eighty-four years. He was a multi-faceted genius, excelling as a scientist, inventor, diplomat, writer, and practical/political thinker. He was like the Forrest Gump of his era, inserting himself into numerous historical milestones, both in America and abroad.

The author does an excellent job of highlighting Franklin's flaws, which makes him seem even more human. I was quite surprised to learn that he was not a very good father or husband, and his penchant for young girls was rather disconcerting.

I appreciate the jaunty tone of this narrative, but for my taste, it got a bit bogged down in the details, particularly with the extensive use of quotes, which can be a bit overwhelming at times. Nevertheless, it remains a very solid biography that provides a comprehensive and engaging look at the life and times of Benjamin Franklin.

I absolutely loved this book.

I picked this book up in an antique store in Virginia, of all places. It sat on my shelf for a year and a half before I finally got around to reading it. But once I opened it, I couldn't get enough of Dr. Franklin.

Benjamin Franklin is truly an extraordinary man. I was constantly amazed as I learned about his life and numerous accomplishments. Did you know that Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod, bifocals, and catheters? He also discovered the Gulf Stream. Moreover, he was America's first postmaster, our first ambassador to France, and for much of his life, the most famous American in the world. And here's another amazing fact: he was the only person to sign all four of these crucial documents: The Declaration of Independence, the American treaty with France, our peace accord with Britain, and the Constitution. It's both crazy and sad that such a brilliant and influential historical figure is often reduced in popular memory to a randy old kook flying a kite in the rain. Although, to be fair, he was that, too.

Franklin's life is a testament to his ingenuity, wisdom, and wide-ranging contributions to society. Reading about his achievements makes me realize how much one person can accomplish in a lifetime. This book has truly given me a newfound appreciation for this remarkable historical figure.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Benjamin Franklin or American history in general. It's a fascinating read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.