Helpful Score: 1
Needless to say, Benjamin Franklin was a multitalented man. I found out some things I didn't know about him. This book was mostly about the conflict with England, the formulation of our government, and the peace process after the Revolutionary War. Some parts of this were tedious to get through. However, there was more about what he thought of things, how he got things done, and the other people who he knew and worked with. It was a different than a straight forward history book. I still did like this book, something a bit different than what I have been reading.
Beautiful Gift book.
Benjamin Franklin is perhaps the most remarkable figure in American history: the greatest statesman of his age, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the American republic. He was also a pioneering scientist, a best-selling author, the country's first postmaster general, a printer, a bon vivant, a diplomat, a ladies' man, and a moralist - and the most prominent celebrity of the 18th century. Franklin was, however, a man of vast contradictions, as Edmund Morgan demonstrates in this biography. A reluctant revolutionary, Franklin had desperately wished to preserve the British Empire, and he mourned the break even as he led the fight for American independence. Despite his passion for science, Franklin viewed his groundbreaking experiments as secondary to his civic duties. And although he helped to draft both the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution, he had personally hoped that the new American government would take a different shape. Seeking to unravel the enigma of Franklin's character, Morgan shows that he was the rare individual who consistently placed the public interest before his own desires.
Benjamin Franklin is perhaps the most remarkable figure in American history: the greatest statesman of his age, he played a pivotal role in the formation of the American republic. He was also a pioneering scientist, a best-selling author, the country's first postmaster general, a printer, a bon vivant, a diplomat, a ladies' man, and a moralist - and the most prominent celebrity of the 18th century. Franklin was, however, a man of vast contradictions, as Edmund Morgan demonstrates in this biography. A reluctant revolutionary, Franklin had desperately wished to preserve the British Empire, and he mourned the break even as he led the fight for American independence. Despite his passion for science, Franklin viewed his groundbreaking experiments as secondary to his civic duties. And although he helped to draft both the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution, he had personally hoped that the new American government would take a different shape. Seeking to unravel the enigma of Franklin's character, Morgan shows that he was the rare individual who consistently placed the public interest before his own desires.
This book contained information about the work that Franklin did in establishing our country and a few of his inventions. I was hoping for more information on all his inventions so if anyone can suggest a book I would appreciate it. I did however find this one interesting but not much about his personal life as I have read in the past. I suggsest anyone interested in our history as a nation or Franklin read this one. I would not have missed this one.It was interesting that he realized lead as being poisoness in which America did not heed until 2 centuries later.
