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The chapter tracing the wax and wane of American appreciation of Franklin with the passage of time alone is nearly worth the price of the book. Well-written, readable, and balanced. Presents the unappreciated breadth and depth of Franklin's contributions while not glossing over his lack of emotional commitment.
I feel the need to buy this book again because I don't like reading a book I have to take such care with that it may fall apart. The book was not in very good condition. Some pages were very loose and the cover was in just ok shape.
This was very listenable with 7 year old staying with 75% of the book. Both children have shared their knowledge of Ben Franklin with their teachers and with family. I drive my kids to school and for a half hour twice a day they are a captive audience. She is not mature enough to follow the passages on diplomacy and intrigue but that is expected. It is academic enough for the mature reader without the younger listener totally loosing interest.On the squabble meter of 1-5 its a 5 as there were no squabbles caused by disinterest during the drive.On the participation meter of 1-5 its a 5 as we stopped the CD many times as they wanted to discuss topics presented in the book. Their ages are 7 & 11. I use that time to expose them to American history and literature via audio books.
This biography is a terrific sweeping read and full of insights.One of the best points about this book is that Benjamin Franklin, even though a loyal subject to the crown for most of his life, is a contemporary American - or certainly what we think of ourselves as and what we like to achieve: hard working, inventive, brave, curious, a PR maven and rich.A recommended read and a wonderful gift. Franklin had many notable achievements - far too many to mention in a 45 minute classroom. Benjamin Franklin: An American Life is bar-none the best biography I have ever read.Walter Isaacson takes us on a journey with Benjamin Franklin from the cradle to the grave, through decades and generations of scientifically and personal achievements, setbacks and misfortunes.The book itself is easy to read, told through chronological glimpses at Benjamin Franklin's life rather than working towards an overall swiping grand achievement, a mistake, I believe, which is done by many biographers. Think of you own life.Do you want think that there is only one story of grand achievement to tell or many little stories which might give the reader a new perspective and an opportunity to know more about you than just a footnote in history.We all know Benjamin Franklin from history classes and the teacher might have mentioned his other notable achievements, however Mr.
The investment of time is well worth it. Isaacson has written a superbly interesting biography of one of the most important figures in our history.He presents Franklin's personality as I would have thought; Very intelligent, controversial, a visonary, yet someone with a very "human" side.This account of this fascinating individual, will not disappoint you.Spend some quality time with Franklin.
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