Benjamin Franklin was undoubtedly one of the most important arbiters of American culture and society at the time of the Revolution; when the young nation was establishing its constitutions; laws; and civil institutions. Franklin also played a major role in defining a new and important role for women in this society. This volume brings together a distinguished group of scholars who are either authorities on Franklin or on the role of women in the eighteenth century to adjudge the record and intentions of Franklin in this most vulnerable facet of his character; life; and place in history. The essays in this volume grew out of a symposium organized by Tise at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia. They fall into two groups; those that examine Benjamin Franklin’s relationship with women (sisters; relatives; love interests; and friends) and those that explore more generally the role of women in Franklin’s era. Topics addressed include Franklin’s theories on relations between men and women; the nature of marriage; the dangers as well as the delights of sex; and the importance of education for men and women.
#1916926 in Books 2000-11-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x 2.00 x 6.00l; 1.93 #File Name: 0268031541523 pages
Review
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful. The city is Worcester; Ma.By J. headThis book should really contain the name of the city (Worcester; Massachusetts ) in the subtitle. This reader believes an intimate knowledge of the city of Worcester is central to appreciating this book; otherwise the locations mentioned within the text will just appear as an unconnected litany of place names.. The book painstakingly plots the spread of the Irish immigrant community across the city landscape; parish by parish. It explains the political tightrope walk the Irish-American and the American-Irish developed with the host culture and with the newer immigrant cultures also attempting to assimilate. The author has done his homework. Quotes from leading figures; Irish community newspapers and political speeches are exhaustive. One interesting point that agrees with Andrew Greely's book on Irish-Americans is that the Irish outside of New York City and the Boston area. assimilated quickly into the melting pot; but the ethnic identity and more mature; less vibrant; industrial economies of the Northeast cities made the immigrant battle for a "piece of pie" more difficult; than in cities to the West. .The book shows that the history of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Worcester is a pretty effective barometer that highlighted the conflicts within the Irish-American community. The author is to be commended on the research; but any purchaser of this book should know that a knowledge of the city of Worcester and its institutions would be especially helpful to appreciate this book fully. I gave it a three star rating because the quotes and research became a little too tedious in some sections.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Five StarsBy Eileen BirchMy husband thoroughly loves this book!
