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Benjamin Franklin: An American Life (平装)
by Walter Isaacson
| Category:
American history, American revolution, Biography |
| Market price: ¥ 198.00
MSL price:
¥ 158.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Extremely revealing and readable, this is a remarkable biography of a remarkable man. |
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AllReviews |
  1 2 Total 2 pages 12 items |
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David Trail (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-22 00:00>
Most of us recall the stories about Ben Franklin we heard in school. We were told about the kite in lightning, he was at the conventions that produced the Declaration of Independence and Constitution, and romanced all the ladies of Paris while he was our ambassador there. That's not quite the real story as Isaacson presents it.
Founding Fathers have been making a comeback of late, with John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and George Washington also having been documented of late. This one admirably covers the life story of the most diverse figures in America's history, and the only one in the aforementioned list not to have served as an official of the early U.S. government.
The book chronicles well the humble beginnings of Frnaklin's life, beginning in Boston, and his oft-remembered running away to Philadelphia. His subsebquent adventures and activities, from his common-law marriage, social activities, scientific interests, and professional activities stemming from printing and postal work are interestingly explained, adding life to the man we knew. The real meat of the story comes from Frnaklin's involvement in the growing friction with England, as he set out at first to seek ways to mend the relationship. It was his invaluable role once the die was cast for independence that sets him apart.
While Washington led the troops and (Sam) Adams led the propaganda, Franklin helped to draft the Declaration, and then was hustled off to France to help the American cause. Isaacson makes the case that it was Franklin that was the strongest advocate and most successful due to his international prestige and respect for France. Nonetheless, the book reveals the real story about Franklin's rumored activities while in France, and makes the man more human than your old textbook by noting his medical infirmaties and their effect on his life.
Franklin usually leaves our consiousness after Paris, and then after the Consitutional Convention in 1787. Yet he was an active participant in political and social affairs until his death, and the extra effort to show his acitivity after these famous periods of his life add to his luster.
Frnaklin comes across as a thoughtful leader, with both tragic and touching family relations, all while helping to steer the fledgling nation towards a stable and prosperous future he helped to create. All in all, an interesting book on an intriguing patriot.
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Tony Tillman (MSL quote), USA
<2007-01-22 00:00>
Let me first start off by saying that I have read few biographies. But Isaacson made a biography that is both readable and balanced between Franklin's personal and professional life. Franklin was the true founding father that believed in the common man. Franklin was not perfect but he believed in fair treatment for all. America would have advanced much slower if it was not for Ben. Probably his greatest contribution to our society was the feeling of helping one another. He helped form the first fire station, post office, police force (much less his inventions) - his work had community written all over it. All of his work was done with the premise of helping mankind. Maybe other founders fought the wars and wrote the documents. But we survived all these years because we formed a community; the idea that as Americans we have to all work together. That is Franklin's legacy to our nation. I will read biographies on the other founders (Hamilton, Jefferson, Adams and Washington) to gain a more complete perspective on how this country started. This book lays an excellent foundation and is a must read for those interested in the origins of America through the eyes of one of its greatest citizens.
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