Benjamin Franklin

Name: Benjamin Franklin
Brand: Simon & Schuster
SKU: 9780743258074
Price: 46.99 NZD
Availability: InStock

An American Life

By Walter Isaacson

4.04

( 141,990 ratings, 2,891 reviews)

Summary

Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson is a comprehensive biography that explores the life of one of America's Founding Fathers. The book delves into Franklin's many roles, including his contributions as an inventor, diplomat, and writer, highlighting his profound impact on the early United States.
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Format: Paperback / softback

$46⁹⁹

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Benjamin Franklin

$46⁹⁹

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy in-depth biographies that explore the multifaceted life of one of America's founding fathers. It provides a detailed look into his achievements as an inventor, statesman, and writer, offering rich insights into his contributions to society and history.

Benjamin Franklin

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Description

In this authoritative and engrossing full-scale biography, Walter Isaacson, bestselling author of Einstein and Steve Jobs, captures the life and multifaceted achievements of the most intriguing figure of America's founding era. Isaacson provides a detailed narrative that spans from Benjamin Franklin's humble beginnings in Boston to his transformative years in Philadelphia, his diplomatic endeavours in London and Paris, and his influential return to the newly formed United States.

Benjamin Franklin delves deeply into the life of the founding father who remains an accessible and relatable character in American history. Unlike other iconic figures carved in marble, Franklin is portrayed with all his human complexities and contradictions. The biography tracks Franklin’s journey as a runaway apprentice who evolves into a self-made man and one of America’s leading writers, inventors, media magnates, scientists, diplomats, and business innovators. His pragmatic sensibility and inventive spirit are brought to life, showcasing his contributions to shaping a fledgling nation.

Isaacson’s narrative sheds light on Franklin’s remarkable ability to blend wit and wisdom, which is evident in works like Poor Richard’s Almanac. His ingenuity extended beyond literature to the political arena, where he played critical roles in the drafting of the Declaration of Independence, securing a crucial alliance with France, and negotiating the treaty that concluded the Revolutionary War. Additionally, Franklin's participation in the Constitutional Convention demonstrated his skill in political strategy and compromise.

This richly detailed biography also illuminates Franklin’s scientific curiosity, which led to significant inventions and advancements in understanding electricity, meteorology, and other fields. Isaacson portrays Franklin not just as a historical figure, but as a timeless personality whose ideas and principles continue to resonate in the twenty-first century.

With vivid prose and keen insight, Isaacson provides an intimate look into Franklin's personal and public lives, unveiling the connections between his entrepreneurial spirit and his visionary contributions to society. Benjamin Franklin is a masterful portrait of one of America's most cherished and complex founding fathers, capturing the essence of his enduring legacy.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Benjamin Franklin by Walter Isaacson is praised for its readability, energetic and entertaining narration, and thorough research. Reviewers highlight its clarity, accessibility, and well-argued chronicle, making it a strong reflection of Franklin's pragmatic nature.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780743258074

Publisher: Simon & Schuster

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 August 2004

Country: United States

Imprint: Simon & Schuster

Illustration: 16pp 4-c insert

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 792g

Pages: 608

Collections

All Books Biography & Memoir History & Military Non-Fiction Tim's Books Walter Isaacson

About the Author

Walter Isaacson is the bestselling author of biographies of Jennifer Doudna, Leonardo da Vinci, Steve Jobs, Benjamin Franklin, and Albert Einstein. He is a professor of history at Tulane and was CEO of the Aspen Institute, chair of CNN, and editor of Time. He was awarded the National Humanities Medal in 2023. Visit him at Isaacson.Tulane.edu.