Pulitzer Prize FinalistBenjamin Franklin; perhaps the pivotal figure in colonial and revolutionary America; comes vividly to life in this masterly biography. Wit; diplomat; scientist; philosopher; businessman; inventor; and bon vivant; Benjamin Franklin was in every respect America’s first Renaissance man. From penniless runaway to highly successful printer; from ardently loyal subject of Britain to architect of an alliance with France that ensured America’s independence; Franklin went from obscurity to become one of the world’s most admired figures; whose circle included the likes of Voltaire; Hume; Burke; and Kant. Drawing on previously unpublished letters and a host of other sources; acclaimed historian H. W. Brands has written a thoroughly engaging biography of the eighteenth-century genius. A much needed reminder of Franklin’s greatness and humanity; The First American is a work of meticulous scholarship that provides a magnificent tour of a legendary historical figure; a vital era in American life; and the countless arenas in which the protean Franklin left his legacy.
#473053 in Books 1993-10-01 1993-10-01Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.30 x .90 x 6.10l; 1.13 #File Name: 0385467923424 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good Luck Putting It DownBy DPRead this in high school years ago and recently had been trying to find it again. Glad I decided to check -I've had to force myself to put it down. Leakey did an amazing job with this book. 5 stars and would recommend this!0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. If you believe humans are living things; read this book.By Dion DillmanThe first part of this book is average; the last half (chapters 12 -19) is superb. If Richard Leakey did not accomplish anythng else in life; his writings which comprise the 22 pages of chapter 19 would be more than enough to leave any person proud of the masterpiece/legacy to human insight which they had created4 of 6 people found the following review helpful. Nice ideas...difficult readingBy E. KingI almost gave this book 3 stars for it's difficult narrative style; but that would have taken away from the fact that it is full of great ideas. Lots of photos and illustrations cut through the slow moments. More info on the mitochondrial hypothesis would have been nice also. Still a great read all in all.
