A Benjamin Franklin Reader

by Benjamin Franklin

A selection of Benjamin Franklin’s writings, with an introduction and commentary by renowned author Walter Isaacson.Selected and annotated by the author of the acclaimed Benjamin An American Life, this collection of Franklin’s writings shows why he was the bestselling author of his day and remains America’s favorite founder and wit. Includes an introductory essay exploring Franklin’s life and impact as a writer, and each piece is accompanied by a preface and notes that provide background, context, and analysis.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, American History, Politics, Philosophy

Paperback

About the author

Benjamin Franklin was a writer, a philosopher, a scientist, a politician, a patriot, a Founding Father, an inventor, and publisher. He helped with the founding of the United States of America and changed the world with his discoveries about electricity. His writings such as Poor Richards' Almanac have provided wisdom for 17 years to the colonies.

Reviews

[Dexter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very, very interesting. Benjamin Franklin, while definitely a strange fellow, was certainly a genius and one of the best writers of all time. What scares me is that because he's so good, he almost made me believe some bizarre things.

And Walter Isaacson did an amazing job of putting it all together and into context. It's an amazing read (it just takes a looong time) that'll give you plenty of information on all the aspects of Benjamin Franklin's long and full life.

[Eli · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference work, keep it in easy reach to quote some Franklin!

[Brian Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This splendid and thorough collection gathers in one place the most essential self publications of the greatest and most important self publisher in American history, Benjamin Franklin. The most important, and best, is The Autobiography, a breezy recollection of his curious mind and the rationality behind many of his best inventions, some of which are only recollected in that book. But several of the works collected here detail his other achievements in wit and reason, including a healthy collection of Poor Richard writings, early printing pranks, and the writings of the early Revolutionary era. It should be noted that those seeking a lot of insight into the Revolution will not find much here. Franklin never arrived at that point in his Autobiography and the writings here cover the early disputes as well as Franklin's ambassadorships to London and Paris. There are accounts of the Constitutional Convention, as well as Franklin's invention of the now infamous "Don't Tread on Me" flag that has been co-opted by neo-militia movements. But ultimately, this is a great companion piece to Isaacson's superb biography, a book that deserves a place in every home, read in installments and piecemeal, just as Franklin intended. His wit is on par with Swift's and belongs squarely in the satirist tradition of the time as exemplified by Pope. Highly recommended to all.

[Christopher Potter · Rating 3 out of 5]

Franklin of course was very smart, but reading him in his own words dispels the widely-held notion that he was some kind of unparalleled genius. I mainly appreciated his humility and his ability to good-naturedly poke fun at the haughty and the tyrranical.
If only benevolent and humble people like him could be found in our political system today.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Wonderful book about a fascinating life that did so much to create the American character and shape a nation."

[Anne-marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Old fashioned writing can be challenging to read. But the Silence Dogood letters are funny. I really LIKE Old Ben.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

It took a long time, but I finally finished! I didn't read the autobiography, which is the last section of the book, since I've read that in the past. Reading the letters of other people is quite different than simply reading about history, and takes some getting used to.
However, if you have an interest in the early history of this country, this is an interesting window into that time.

[Marc Gacy]

What better way to spend Ben Franklin's 300th birthday than to fly into Philly reading a copy of this book?

This omnibus simply reinforces my opinion that Ben Franklin clearly qualifies as The Greatest American (or at least one of)

[Graham]

Just picked it up from the library. As a new Philadelphian I thought it was my duty. I definitely won't read everything in here.

[Jonathan]

None

[Sheri Hansen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our impish American Da Vinci at his finest. People should read more of his actual stuff, or they risk losing the marvelous nuance he brings when we see his life as a whole.

[Anthony Robb-John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hmmm - such a life, so many contradictions, good, bad, blindspots, insights. BF deserves something better. Am happy to say this is a start and has some moments. I look forward to reading more.

[Jonathan Sargent]

Not rating because I skipped a good 20% of this book due to the lack of interest.