Benjamin Franklin

But the most interesting thing that Franklin invented, and continually reinvented, was himself. America's first great pu... (more)

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. (less)

Profiles the life of Benjamin Franklin and his leadership as a politician and scientist. (more)

Profiles the life of Benjamin Franklin and his leadership as a politician and scientist. (less)

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Following their adventure with Benjamin Franklin, Jack and Annie want to learn more about the Founding Father and search... (more)

Following their adventure with Benjamin Franklin, Jack and Annie want to learn more about the Founding Father and search out facts about his life and accomplishments, including his electricity kite-flying experiment and his most famous inventions. (less)

"Why is Benjamin Franklin important? He invented the lightning rod and much more! Readers follow the journey of this inv... (more)

"Why is Benjamin Franklin important? He invented the lightning rod and much more! Readers follow the journey of this inventor and founding father. Franklin created the lightning rod and other inventions that helped change the world. It's an electrifying story filled with engaging text and colorful images, all reviewed by Smithsonian experts"-- (less)

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Provides in-depth analysis of the life, works, career, and critical importance of Benjamin Franklin. (more)

Provides in-depth analysis of the life, works, career, and critical importance of Benjamin Franklin. (less)

Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who winks at us -- an ambitious urban entrepreneur who rose up the social ladde... (more)

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. In bestselling author Walter Isaacson's vivid and witty full-scale biography, we discover why Franklin turns to us from history's stage with eyes that twinkle from behind his new-fangled spectacles. In "Benjamin Franklin", Isaacson shows how Franklin defines both his own time and ours ... (less)

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