This book is not another conventional biography of America's most famous self-made man. Instead, Weinberger (political science, Michigan State Univ.) examines the evolution of Franklin's intellectual life with a particular focus on the development of his moral, political, and religious thought. Weinberger uses Franklin's Autobiography as a window into the man's thinking. He argues that a careful reading of it reveals more about Franklin and his personal philosophy than any of his other writings do. Its writing, late in life, offered Franklin the opportunity to tell readers what he had concluded was most important. Weinberger argues that despite the seeming contradictions in Franklin's life and writings, he was ultimately true to himself and developed a unified, remarkable, and relevant philosophy of life. Weinberger also offers an in-depth look at Franklin's masterly use of humor, showing that it remains an important and often overlooked medium for his deepest thoughts. Well researched and well written, this intellectual biography is for both the scholar and the lay reader. Recommended for libraries with a special interest in Franklin and the development of American philosophy; libraries looking for a more traditional biography may want to consider Walter Isaacson's Benjamin Franklin: An American Life.-Robert Flatley, Kutztown Univ. Lib., PA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Weinberger’s book offers a revolutionary reevaluation of Franklin’s thought, one that unveils Franklin as a far more subtle, complex, and subversive thinker than most have cared to notice. This useful volume has the virtue of being an education in itself, and will pay rich dividends for those willing to learn from this charming American Socrates.”—Weekly Standard
"Intricate, probing, and insightful. . . . Weinberger has an extraordinary talent for illuminating the meaning of texts."—Perspectives on Politics
"An elegant and fascinating companion to, and analysis of, the work of our cleverest Founding Father. At a time when some noisy advocates are attempting to revise American history, and to represent the Founders as men who believed in a Christian nation, this book could not be more welcome."—Christopher Hitchens in the Atlantic Monthly
"Weinberger explores the many identities assumed by Franklin. He deftly unveils his self-portrait to delve into the values and ideas of the powerful intellect lurking behind a multitude of masks. For Weinberg Franklin’s radical and philosophical humor is an important window to his deepest thoughts. . . . Weinberger’s stimulating study provides a treasure trove of examples to support his views."—Studies in American Humor
"Weinberger argues that despite the seeming contradictions in Franklin's life and writings, he was ultimately true to himself and developed a unified, remarkable, and relevant philosophy of life. Weinberger also offers an in-depth look at Franklin’s masterly use of humor, showing that it remains an important and often overlooked medium for his deepest thoughts. Well researched and well written, this intellectual biography is for both the scholar and the lay reader"—Library Journal
“Ravishingly subversive.”—Andrew Sullivan
“An elegant and fascinating companion to, and analysis of, the work of our cleverest Founding Father. At a time when some noisy advocates are attempting to revise American history, and to represent the Founders as men who believed in a Christian nation, this book could not be more welcome.”—Christopher Hitchens in the Atlantic Monthly
“Franklin’s many masks are examined and lifted to disclose the one real man—a thinker—behind them. Weinberger gives us the radical truth about Franklin in a book that is a delight to read.”—Harvey Mansfield, author of America’s Constitutional Soul
“With the focus of a bloodhound and the tenacity of a bulldog Weinberger follows Ben’s spoofs and sophisms into whatever cul-de-sac they lead. His Franklin is a coherent philosopher-skeptic who teases us into thinking for ourselves. . . . A bracing, hilarious, and enlightening experience.”—Ralph Lerner, author of The Thinking Revolutionary: Principle and Practice in the New Republic
“A lively, clever and well-informed account that’s sure to raise controversy.”—Ralph Ketcham, author of The Political Thought of Ben Franklin
