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
Walter Isaacson recently stepped down from his position as chairman and CEO of the CNN News Group. A journalist for more than 25 years, he previously served as Time Inc.'s editorial director and as Time magazine's managing editor, national affairs writer and political correspondent. A graduate of Harvard and Oxford University, where he was a Rhode Scholar, he is the author of Kissinger: A Biography (S&S, 1992) and co-author (with Evan Thomas) of The Wise Men: Six Friends And The World They Made (S&S, 1986).
"The New York Times Book Review" A thoroughly researched, crisply
written, convincingly argued chronicle.
"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 Yorker" Energetic, entertaining, and worldly.
"The Washington Post Book World" The most readable full-length
Franklin biography available.
Most Americans know a bit about Franklin, therefore it's fascinating to get Isaacson's take on our eccentric forefather. The best biographies include less-than-flattering traits, and Isaacson does that to perfection. Franklin was a womanizer, had an illegitimate son, was disliked by Abigail Adams, and did electrical experiments during lightning storms. In his youth, he favored slavery, yet by the end of his life he was elected president of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. He loved socializing and lively conversation, preferring the company of friends rather than family (he lived away from his common-law wife for 15 years). Narrator Nelson Runger splendidly re-creates early American accents; he adeptly handles the diverse quotes within the vast text, helping keep listeners on track. Both Isaacson and Runger should be lauded; a required purchase for all libraries.-Susan G. Baird, Chicago Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
"The New York Times Book Review" A thoroughly researched, crisply
written, convincingly argued chronicle.
"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 Yorker" Energetic, entertaining, and worldly.
"The Washington Post Book World" The most readable full-length
Franklin biography available.
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