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Benjamin Franklin : An American Life by Walter Isaacson (2003, Hardcover)

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Experience the fascinating life story of one of the Founding Fathers of America with "Benjamin Franklin: An American Life" by Walter Isaacson. This hardcover book, published by Simon & Schuster in 2003, is a detailed biography of the life and times of Benjamin Franklin. The book is written in English, has 608 pages, and covers various topics such as history, politics, and science & technology. With its length of 9.2 inches, height of 1.7 inches, and width of 6.2 inches, this book is a great addition to any bookshelf. Get your hands on this classic biography that offers an in-depth look at the life of one of America's most influential figures.

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Benjamin Franklin is the Founding Father who winks at us. An ambitious urban entrepreneur who rose up the social ladder, from leather-aproned shopkeeper to dining with kings, he seems made of flesh rather than of marble. In bestselling author Walter Isaacson's vivid and witty full-scale biography, we discover why Franklin seems to turn to us from history's stage with eyes that twinkle from behind his new-fangled spectacles. By bringing Franklin to life, Isaacson shows how he helped to define both his own time and ours.He was, during his 84-year life, America's best scientist, inventor, diplomat, writer, and business strategist, and he was also one of its most practical -- though not most profound -- political thinkers. He proved by flying a kite that lightning was electricity, and he invented a rod to tame it. He sought practical ways to make stoves less smoky and commonwealths less corrupt. He organized neighborhood constabularies and international alliances, local lending libraries and national legislatures. He combined two types of lenses to create bifocals and two concepts of representation to foster the nation's federal compromise. He was the only man who shaped all the founding documents of America: the Albany Plan of Union, the Declaration of Independence, the treaty of alliance with France, the peace treaty with England, and the Constitution. And he helped invent America's unique style of homespun humor, democratic values, and philosophical pragmatism.But the most interesting thing that Franklin invented, and continually reinvented, was himself. America's first great publicist, he was, in his life and in his writings, consciously trying to create a new American archetype. In the process, he carefully crafted his own persona, portrayed it in public, and polished it for posterity.Through it all, he trusted the hearts and minds of his fellow "leather-aprons" more than he did those of any inbred elite. He saw middle-class values as a source of social strength, not as something to be derided. His guiding principle was a "dislike of everything that tended to debase the spirit of the common people." Few of his fellow founders felt this comfort with democracy so fully, and none so intuitively.In this colorful and intimate narrative, Isaacson provides the full sweep of Franklin's amazing life, from his days as a runaway printer to his triumphs as a statesman, scientist, and Founding Father. He chronicles Franklin's tumultuous relationship with his illegitimate son and grandson, his practical marriage, and his flirtations with the ladies of Paris. He also shows how Franklin helped to create the American character and why he has a particular resonance in the twenty-first century.

Product Identifiers

Publisher
Simon & Schuster
ISBN-10
0684807610
ISBN-13
9780684807614
eBay Product ID (ePID)
2463137

Product Key Features

Book Title
Benjamin Franklin : an American Life
Author
Walter Isaacson
Format
Hardcover
Language
English
Topic
United States / Revolutionary Period (1775-1800), Political, Historical, Science & Technology
Publication Year
2003
Genre
Biography & Autobiography, History
Number of Pages
608 Pages

Dimensions

Item Length
9.2in
Item Height
1.7in
Item Width
6.2in
Item Weight
34.1 Oz

Additional Product Features

Lc Classification Number
E302.6.F8i83 2003
Reviews
The New York Times In its common sense, clarity and accessibility, it is a fitting reflection of Franklin's sly pragmatism....This may be the book that most powerfully drives a new pendulum swing of the Franklin reputation., The New York Times Book Review A thoroughly researched, crisply written, convincingly argued chronicle., The New York Times Book ReviewA thoroughly researched, crisply written, convincingly argued chronicle.
Table of Content
Contents Chapter One Benjamin Franklin and the Invention of America Chapter Two Pilgrim's Progress: Boston, 1706-1723 Chapter Three Journeyman: Philadelphia and London, 1723-1726 Chapter Four Printer: Philadelphia, 1726-1732 Chapter Five Public Citizen: Philadelphia, 1731-1748 Chapter Six Scientist and Inventor: Philadelphia, 1744-1751 Chapter Seven Politician: Philadelphia, 1749-1756 Chapter Eight Troubled Waters: London, 1757-1762 Chapter Nine Home Leave: Philadelphia, 1763-1764 Chapter Ten Agent Provocateur: London, 1765-1770 Chapter Eleven Rebel: London, 1771-1775 Chapter Twelve Independence: Philadelphia, 1775-1776 Chapter Thirteen Courtier: Paris, 1776-1778 Chapter Fourteen Bon Vivant: Paris, 1778-1785 Chapter Fifteen Peacemaker: Paris, 1778-1785 Chapter Sixteen Sage: Philadelphia, 1785-1790 Chapter Seventeen Epilogue Chapter Eighteen Conclusions Cast of Characters Chronology Currency Conversions Acknowledgments Sources and Abbreviations Notes Index
Copyright Date
2003
Lccn
2003-050463
Dewey Decimal
973.3/092 B
Intended Audience
Trade
Dewey Edition
21
Illustrated
Yes

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4.7 out of 5 stars based on 25 product ratings

25 product ratings

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4 out of 5 stars
by poolbob2937Dec 22, 2021
I am enjoying the book, but haven't finished yet. So far, well written and very interesting.
Good used condition
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
5 out of 5 stars
by jacl.us.nwe8eoo...Jan 30, 2022
Excellent Book and Good Book Dealer
I ordered this book about Ben Franklin to subsidize the education of my grandchildren. Public schools aren’t what they used to be. If you want your children and grandchildren to know, you better be prepared to teach them
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
5 out of 5 stars
by rori_2013Apr 21, 2021
Great Book
It was great! Thanks!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
5 out of 5 stars
by davpet5Nov 18, 2017
Great book
Franklin is the original american renaissance man. Educational and amusing at the same time, this bio is very well written.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
5 out of 5 stars
by golftango37Jul 12, 2021
A narration of Franklin's life not just a history book.
Interesting book, broken up into chapters and segments. Easy to pick-up where you leave off.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned

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Benjamin Franklin : An American Life by Walter Isaacson (2003, Hardcover)

About this product

Product Information

Product Identifiers

Product Key Features

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Additional Product Features

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Ratings and Reviews

Most relevant reviews

I am enjoying the book, but haven't finished yet. So far, well written and very interesting.

Excellent Book and Good Book Dealer

Great Book

Great book

A narration of Franklin's life not just a history book.

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