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A Benjamin Franklin Reader

benjamin franklin walter isaacson

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A selection of Benjamin Franklin’s writings, with an introduction and commentary by renowned author Walter Isaacson.

Selected and annotated by the author of the acclaimed Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, this collection of Franklin’s writings shows why he was the bestselling author of his day and remains America’s favorite founder and wit. Includes an introductory essay exploring Franklin’s life and impact as a writer, and each piece is accompanied by a preface and notes that provide background, context, and analysis.

576 pages, Paperback

First published June 2,2005

This edition

Format
576 pages, Paperback
Published
June 2, 2005 by Simon \u0026 Schuster
ISBN
9780743273985
ASIN
0743273982
Language
English

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About the author

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benjamin franklin

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Benjamin Franklin was a writer, a philosopher, a scientist, a politician, a patriot, a Founding Father, an inventor, and publisher. He helped with the founding of the United States of America and changed the world with his discoveries about electricity. His writings such as Poor Richards' Almanac have provided wisdom for 17 years to the colonies.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 13 votes)
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13 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
shino_witch
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Franklin was indeed extremely intelligent. However, when one reads his works in his own words, it shatters the commonly held belief that he was an unrivaled genius. What I truly admired about him was his humility and his capacity to good-naturedly make fun of the haughty and the tyrannical.

His writings offer a unique perspective on his character and values. It is a pity that in our current political system, it seems difficult to find people as benevolent and humble as him.

We should look to Franklin as an example and strive to cultivate these qualities in ourselves. Maybe then, our political and social landscapes would be more harmonious and just.

Franklin's wisdom and character serve as a reminder of what is possible when we approach life with humility and a sense of humor.
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AngeloG
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Old fashioned writing often presents a challenge when it comes to reading. The language and style can seem archaic and difficult to understand. However, there are exceptions, and the Silence Dogood letters are a prime example. These letters are not only engaging but also quite funny. They offer a unique glimpse into a different time period and the minds of the people who lived then.


One of the things I really like about this particular piece of old fashioned writing is Old Ben. He is a character that adds a lot of charm and humor to the story. His actions and words are often unexpected, and he provides a lighthearted contrast to the more serious aspects of the letters.


In conclusion, while old fashioned writing may have its difficulties, it can also be a source of great entertainment and learning. The Silence Dogood letters, with their funny stories and endearing characters like Old Ben, are a testament to the value of exploring the written works of the past.

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Bobbyking82
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Just picked it up from the library.

As a new Philadelphian, I thought it was my duty.

I mean, when you move to a new place, you want to immerse yourself in its culture and history. And what better way to do that than by exploring the local library?

The moment I walked in, I was greeted by rows and rows of books, each one waiting to be discovered.

I knew I definitely won't read everything in here. There's just too much to choose from. But that's okay. I'm looking forward to spending many afternoons here, flipping through the pages and losing myself in different worlds.

Maybe I'll find a hidden gem that will change my perspective on life. Or maybe I'll just enjoy the peace and quiet of the library and let my mind wander.

Either way, I know this is going to be a great adventure.
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PsyjiicOrder
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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It took an incredibly long time, but at last, I finally completed it!

I chose not to read the autobiography, which happens to be the final section of the book, as I had already perused that part in the past.

Reading the letters of other individuals is truly quite distinct from simply reading about history in a traditional sense, and it requires a certain amount of getting accustomed to.

Nevertheless, if you possess an interest in the early history of this nation, this particular work serves as an interesting window through which one can peer into that bygone era.

It offers a unique perspective and allows you to gain a more in-depth understanding of the people and events that shaped the country during its formative years.

Overall, despite the initial challenges in adjusting to the format of reading letters, it can be a rewarding experience for those with a passion for history.

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Venzs
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This is a truly wonderful book.

It delves into a fascinating life that had an enormous impact on creating the American character and shaping the nation.

The story within its pages is both captivating and inspiring.

We get to witness the various experiences, challenges, and triumphs of the individual whose life is being chronicled.

Every chapter unfolds like a new adventure, revealing the different aspects of this remarkable life.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the details in a vivid and engaging manner.

It's not just a book about one person's life; it's a window into the history and development of America.

By reading this book, we gain a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our nation and the values that have become an integral part of the American identity.

It's a must-read for anyone interested in American history, culture, or simply a great story about a life well-lived.

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Cursed07
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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This splendid and thorough collection gathers in one place the most essential self-publications of the greatest and most important self-publisher in American history, Benjamin Franklin.

The most important, and best, is The Autobiography. It is a breezy recollection of his curious mind and the rationality behind many of his best inventions. Some of these inventions are only recollected in that book.

However, several of the works collected here detail his other achievements in wit and reason. This includes a healthy collection of Poor Richard writings, early printing pranks, and the writings of the early Revolutionary era.

It should be noted that those seeking a lot of insight into the Revolution will not find much here. Franklin never arrived at that point in his Autobiography and the writings here cover the early disputes as well as Franklin's ambassadorships to London and Paris.

There are accounts of the Constitutional Convention, as well as Franklin's invention of the now infamous "Don't Tread on Me" flag that has been co-opted by neo-militia movements.

But ultimately, this is a great companion piece to Isaacson's superb biography. It is a book that deserves a place in every home, to be read in installments and piecemeal, just as Franklin intended. His wit is on par with Swift's and belongs squarely in the satirist tradition of the time as exemplified by Pope. Highly recommended to all.
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ninjacoconut
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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Hmmm - such a life! It is filled with so many contradictions. There are the good aspects that bring joy and fulfillment, and then there are the bad ones that cause pain and disappointment. There are also blindspots that we are not even aware of, and yet they can have a significant impact on our lives. However, there are also insights that we gain along the way, which help us to grow and learn.

BF, whoever that may be, truly deserves something better. They deserve a life that is free from contradictions and filled with only good things. I am happy to say that this is a start. There are some moments in this journey that give hope and show that there is potential for something more. I look forward to reading more and seeing how this story unfolds. I hope that it leads to a better life for BF and that all the contradictions are resolved in a positive way.
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dYeGallardo363
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 14,2025
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What better way to spend Ben Franklin's 300th birthday than to fly into Philly reading a copy of this book?

This remarkable omnibus serves as a powerful reinforcement of my firmly held opinion. It is abundantly clear that Ben Franklin当之无愧qualifies as The Greatest American (or at the very least, one of them).

His contributions to various fields such as science, politics, and literature are truly outstanding.

Franklin's inventions, like the lightning rod, have had a profound impact on the world.

His political acumen and diplomatic skills were crucial in shaping the early days of the United States.

Moreover, his literary works, including his famous autobiography, are not only entertaining but also offer valuable insights into his life and times.

In conclusion, this omnibus is a fitting tribute to the great Ben Franklin and a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the life of this extraordinary man.
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