Benjamin Franklin

Enjoyed this as I continue to read more about this country's founding fathers. I find Mr. Franklin almost as interesting as Thomas Jefferson. Now, while I appreciated an easy to read biography, I found the way the author clustered certain forward and backward looking comments from a point of time in Franklin's life took a bit of getting used to. Stylistically not my preference, but I got used to it. Worth a look as a first read in to Franklin's life. ( )

Morgan has spent a long time reading all of Franklin's writings and letters, which, when completely published, will comprise 45 or so volumes. His picture of Franklin that emerges is that of a man with immense talents, but who knew that he would have more influence if he listened more than he talked. He was also immensely curious about everything, including his fellow humans, no matter what gender, religion, or class. For example, he was a friend of the preacher George Whitefield, though he had by then developed his philosophy of moral virtues and had left any formal church.

I've always found the Founding Fathers pretty remarkable, but this book brings into focus how amazing it was that they had the variety of talents needed to make this unprecedented event happen. Franklin, because of his scientific and other accomplishments, had the respect in other countries that made it possible for him to negotiate in France for the money, arms, and men that made the American victory possible.

The years Franklin spent in England were also important. Franklin had an image of a British empire in which the focus was equally on the Amercan continent. He could see that in population, territory, and every measure the colonies were going to surpass England, and he thought the English would recognize it and deal more fairly with the colonies. But he was in the forefront to realize this wasn't going to happen, and it moved him to ideas of an independent America.

This book overall is a remarkable picture of a remarkable man. ( )

Acclaimed short bio, heavy use of personal papers, strong focus on Franklin’s beliefs and diplomatic endeavors

Morgan describes this as an introduction to a CD full of writings Franklin left us. It balances content between his personal and political life, focusing most of the last half on the latter. What doesn't fit the typical portrayal is that Franklin was a fit, athletic young man (he swam in a time when others of his class usually wouldn't). Franklin had an intense curiosity, an easygoing manner, and a very subtle approach to power through the influencing of others to get them to see an action as being in their best interest. He didn't want to split with England, but ultimately saw the basis for doing so and struggled to get them to accept that Americans would accept nothing less. He was endeared by locals at all levels during his stays in England and France. ( )

Short interesting biography of a great man. While it is difficult to squeeze Franklin's life into such a short book, Morgan does an admirable job. Well written. ( )