The Real Benjamin Franklin: The True Story of America's Greatest Diplomat
There are many Benjamin Franklins. Or at least he has taken on many different forms in the history books and conversations of the last two centuries. Some historians have shown us an aged statesman whose wise and steadying influence kept the Constitutional Convention together in 1787, while others have pictured a chuckling prankster who couldn't resist a funny story. More recently, a certain brand of biographers and journalists have conjured up sensational tales of a lecherous old diplomat in his seventies who enjoyed illicit affairs with adoring young French women. And a few years ago Franklin even reappeared as a British spy! Some of these myths are now being repeated and embellished in school textbooks and educational television programs.
Which of all these Benjamin Franklins, if any, is real? This book is an attempt to answer that question. Or, more accurately, it is an attempt to let Franklin himself provide the answer. The Real Benjamin Franklin makes no effort to develop another fresh interpretation of the Sage of Philadelphia. Instead, it seats us across the table from the one person who really knew Benjamin Franklin- -that is, Franklin himself- -and gives him an opportunity to explain his life and ideas in his own words. Part I of this book details his exciting biography, and Part II includes his most important and insightful writings. In both sections, Franklin's words are carefully documented from original sources.
This volume is part of a series being published by the National Center for Constitutional Studies, a nonprofit educationalfoundation dedicated to restoring Constitutional principles in the tradition of America's Founding Fathers. The AMERICAN CLASSIC SERIES is designed to revive an intelligent appreciation of the Founders and the remarkable system of free government which they gave us. The nation these men built is now in the throes of a political, economic, social, and spiritual crisis that has driven many to an almost frantic search for modern solutions. The truth is that the solutions have been available for a long time- -in fact, for nearly two hundred years- -in the writings of our Founding Fathers!
MarkSun
Posted September 23, 2010
"The Real Benjamin Franklin" conveys the life of America's greatest diplomat, from humble beginnings in Boston to the great inventor, philosopher, and politician that he became. In his early life, Franklin became an influential publisher in America with the Pennsylvania Gazette and Poor Richard's Almanac. He then impacted the world and gained international fame with his progress in electricity and other scientific and philosophical advancements. Franklin was also an influential political leader: using his influence in Europe for the American cause, being a leader in the American struggle for independence, and shaping the foundation of the newly found United States of America.
This book is a truthful and honest representation of Franklin's life. It includes many quotes from his personal letters and public writings that clarify the misconceptions of Franklin, including the myths of his participation in affairs with French women and being a British spy, by allowing him to speak for himself. This book reveals Franklin for who he really was: a God-fearing, freedom-loving, self-controlled man who served his country with dignity and honor. Franklin's life inspires a diligent work ethic and a wise, discerning way of approaching life. The author does an amazing job of pointing out all of Franklin's accomplishments and does an in-depth look into his many successes. The events in the book provide entertainment as Franklin handles situations with a cool-temperedness and cleverness not possessed by any other. The book provides a timeline of all the major events in Franklin's life in the first couple of pages that can be very useful for remembering and seeing all of his accomplishments. It also includes old paintings of important people and events that help the reader visualize the story. Although this book is about a historical figure, the author was able to make the book entertaining and enjoyable while being informational. The book contains extensive information about Franklin's life, friends, beliefs, and accomplishments that fulfills the reader's thirst for knowledge.
I would recommend this amazing book to anyone who is interested in historical figures or early American history. It gives background information on the events surrounding the American independence from England and is a good source for historical information. This could be the best, most thorough book ever written about Benjamin Franklin.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 9, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted July 6, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted September 3, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted May 27, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted April 20, 2012
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted May 9, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted August 21, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted May 20, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 5, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 3, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted March 5, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted July 13, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Anonymous
Posted November 3, 2010
No text was provided for this review.
Overview
The Real Benjamin Franklin: The True Story of America's Greatest Diplomat
There are many Benjamin Franklins. Or at least he has taken on many different forms in the history books and conversations of the last two centuries. Some historians have shown us an aged statesman whose wise and steadying influence kept the Constitutional Convention together in 1787, while others have pictured a chuckling prankster who couldn't resist a funny story. More recently, a certain brand of ...