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Summary: An extraordinary book on an extraordinary man
Review: Few (if any) Americans ever did more for the good of their country and the world than did Benjamin Franklin. Born of humble station in Boston in the early eighteenth century, Franklin overcame enormous odds and, through his diligence, ambition, and sheer genius, established himself as the most prominent of Philadelphia printers while in his twenties. This incredible man would later go on to achieve world renown for his work in electricity and other fields of science, as well as in politics and many other aspects of life. Franklin established respect for American thinkers in the eyes of the rest of the world, and his story is an amazing one.
Brands does a great job of narrating Franklin's story. This volume is large, over 700 pages, and at times it seems this is almost not enough to accurately characterize this remarkable man. But Brands skillfully handles the most important aspects of Franklin's life, and pays special attention to his many public services and the actions that eventually led him to play such a great part in the American revolutionary cause.
This book is not perfect -- the author sometimes tends to assume he knows what Franklin was thinking -- but aside from the psychoanalysis this work is very good. I believe this is as thorough a treatment of Benjamin Franklin as can be expected in one volume, and I highly recommend this work. Franklin's is a life that everyone should be at least somewhat acquainted with.
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Summary: The Father of All Yankees
Review: Before reading this book, my knowledge of Benjamin Franklin was limited to the lightning rod and his contributions to the American Revolution. After reading H.W. Brands's book, however, I can now truthfully acknowledge Franklin's status as one of the greatest Americans ever, one that set the standard for all to come. The great thing about this book is that he is presented, warts and all, and still comes off as a great man. There have been several Franklin books on the market lately, and while I have not read these, I can guarantee that this one will not disappoint.
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Summary: The Making of a Man Who Moved The World
Review: Engaging right from the start, the author does a wonderful job of keeping the reader laughing and thinking as he lays down the course of this incredible man's life. I particularly enjoyed the way the author leads us through the changes in Franklin's thinking and mind set, showing us both his flaws and his character and growth as a man. Franklin is the portrait of a nation coming to grips with itself, and the world. As much as Ben Franklin grew, developed and gained personal power over his life, so too did the nation. Truly history is the story of the interventions of great men at the right time and place to perform the task.
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Summary: First American, First Renaissance Man
Review: Franklin is an extraordinarily complex person. There were so many facets to him that one could write numerous books on this venerable "First American" and still not find the essence of this great man. Brands does an admirable job of containing Franklin's remarkable life in a single volume.Brands has written what may very well be the definitive biography of Franklin. Brands charts the growth of Franklin from his boyhood beginnings in Boston to the upstart city, Philadelphia, onto London, where Franklin seemed to enjoy himself most, until tensions became so strained as to be forced to return to the Philadelphia, where he led the drive for a Declaration of Independence. Brands treated the stages in Franklin's life thematically, which makes it easier to understand the various facets of this extraordinary man. We see Franklin the pamphleteer, the scientist, the man of letters, the cosmopolitan, the firebrand, the militia organizer and eventually Franklin the statesman. No one man had a more pivotal role in the making of the Republic than did Franklin. While in London, he represented no less than four colonies as an agent to the British colonial barons. He fought for better reprentation of the colonies in the British parliament. At times, he seemed to spread himself too thin, especially in regard to his family. But, Franklin was always one to lend advice, as can be read in his autobiography. The first chapters of this book are a little too close to Franklin's autobiography. Brands seems to take Franklin's words at face value. As more material emerges, Brands becomes more critical of Franklin, especially through the eyes of other leading political figures in his day, such as John Adams. However, Brands identifies himself primarily with Franklin, firmly placing him as the most important figure among the Founding Fathers. If it hadn't been for his advanced age, Franklin may very well have been the president of the First Continental Congress, but he deferred than privilege to Washington. Just as he had deferred the privilege of writing the Declaration of Independence to Jefferson. Everyone at the time recognized Franklin as the elder statesmen, who played the key role in securing French support for the American revolution.
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Summary: The gout would not disapprove of this one...
Review: In a dialogue Franklin wrote while in Paris, "Madame Gout" comes to visit him and, while inflicting torment on Franklin with "corrections" of gout, she chastises him for his indolent lifestyle: "While the mornings are long, and you have leisure to go abroad, what do you do? Why, instead of gaining an appetite for breakfast by salutary exercise, you amuse yourself with books, pamphlets, or newspapers, which commonly are not worth the reading." Madame Gout could not fault any of us for amusing ourselves with "The First American." It is a well-written, detailed, and objective look at arguably the most important of the United States' founding fathers. It is hard not to become overwhelmed with Franklin's accomplishments. Yet he seemed to flit in and out of various fields of philosophy, science, and politics with an ease that seems impossible today, and with seemingly no more effort than most of us put into walking between rooms of our homes. The book begins with an account of a pivotal event in Franklin's life that led to his eventual break with Great Britian. He was at first a reluctant revolutionary, but this event, in which he was publicly and in person humiliated by Britian, changed the course of his life and his loyalty. It is an excellent way to begin an account of Franklin's life. After this the book moves in chronological order beginning with Franklin's upbringing and eventual abandonment of Boston. When he arrives in Philadelphia alone and poor the momentum begins and does not let up until we arrive at his deathbed. Death seemed to be the only thing capable of stopping him. The dizzying array of fields he dabbled in and made substantive contributions to is staggering. The book has a level of detail that will allow you to appreciate the scope of Franklin's accomplishments within the time they occurred. It is not simply a "Wow! Gosh! Can you believe it?!" account. There is juice there. We even learn about the indeterminate date of Franklin's birth due to the implementation of the Gregorian calendar. No detail is spared. The author also seems to have an appreciation for what Franklin really stood for. It is often thought Franklin stands for pure capitalism outright (thanks to his work "The Way to Wealth"). We learn that Franklin did not patent most of his inventions, passing up opportunities for obvious wealth of obscene proportions. He thought instead of "the common good" and his inventor's mentality had a more practical, down to earth bend to it. Franklin represents some of what the United States has lost in the intervening centuries, and what kind of thinking we (or any country for that matter) need to embrace to become a better society. True, he was wealthy, but he could have made himself much wealthier given his fame and talents. Of course all of this comes at some price. Franklin was not an ideal family man, and the book also gives a taste of this side of Franklin. Family seemed to play a lesser role in his life than his philosophical and scientific (and later, political) interests. Due to his circumstances he was not able to attend the funerals of either his father or his wife. He had a falling out with his loyalist son that was never resolved. He spent most of his married life away from his wife (she feared sea travel and would not accompany him to Europe, where Franklin spent most of his adult life). He also had a flirtatious side, which the book hints at but does not delve deeply into. One question the book did not answer for me was why he is known as "Dirty Ben" in some circles. The book also gives a brief but not insufficient history of the American Revolution. Franklin played a pivotal and probably still underappreciated role in securing victory for the colonies. Why he and George Washington are not considered at least "co-fathers" of the United States eludes me even more after reading this book. I would have liked to have seen more in the book as to why Franklin does not share Washington's ubiquity in modern America. Reading H.W. Brands book will probably evoke similar questions to all readers. Lastly, a small point, Franklin's grandson, Benjamin Franklin Bache (who accompanied Franklin to France and was at his deathbed), went on to notoriety of his own later in life. Some argue this was in the spirit of his grandfather. "Benny" is mentioned in "The First American," but no hint is made to his later life. Bache went on to question the authority of Washington, corruption in congress, and the kingly ambitions of some of America's politicians in his "American Aurora" (printed in what was Benjamin Franklin's own Philadelphia print shop). It is said that the Sedition Act was created in reaction to this newspaper. Though the book is not about Bache, a mention of this would have given a taste of Franklin's legacy and the undeniable influence he had on at least one of his descendants. "The First American" tells the story of a great human being, not just a great American. It is a long read but well worth the effort. Franklin's personal philosophy, elucidated brilliantly in the book, is still relevant today. By looking at his life and how he shaped it one can learn much about one's own life and how to shape it. This book has forever solidified my answer to the question: "If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be?" I cannot see this answer wavering from "Benjamin Franklin." In short, find the time to read it. Madame Gout will be pleased.
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Summary: The Best Book I've Ever Read!!! Bar None!
Review: Brands brings Franklin to life. 711 pages about a man who got better with age and never gave up. I was sad when it ended.
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Summary: Long but worth the effort
Review: Agree with the accolades from most of the other reviewers. This was an excellent book, but don't be fooled by the reletivly small size of the package. The publisher hs choosen to use very thin paper and a small type face in the paperback edition. With noramal editing It would be a lot longer than the 700+ pages. Even so it is worth the effort and very readable. Mr. Brands touches on almost every aspect of Franklins life and paints a vivid picture of a remarkable man in interesting times.
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Summary: Perfect
Review: H W Brands has mastered the art of measuring both his words and story. The life of this "First American" progresses at a leisurely, entertaining pace. Yet the occasional light-hearted treatment never gets in the way of the authors thesis - that Franklin was the quintessentail American with all the qualities we associate with being American - can-do attitude, inquisitive, lover of freedom, capitalist and achiever...as well as filled with an uncommon common sense. BF is one of the few Founding Fathers that come across with a sense of humor - from practical jokes to the assumption of imaginary letter written to newspapers intending to invoke controversy. He was the only American to sign all four Revolutionary documents and without his tireless efforts both in the states and in Europe the struggle would have been harder. He was, despite all his genius and airs, a tradionalist while being a humanist, free-thinker, republican and a great believer in the notion of individual effort and personal responsibility. His life - all 82 years - was extraordinarily rich, surpased only by his compatriot and sometimes rival, John Adams. Both men viewed the Revolution as a universal - not American - event that had great portents for the future. In this they have been cannily prescient.
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Summary: Put this book on the all time classics list.
Review: This is a great read. Brands writes well enough that you feel that you are really there. He exposes Franklin in all his brilliance.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent historical biography
Review: This is an excellent survey into the lives of perhaps the most important of the first Americans. This man lived nothing less than an adventure. He was strong willed and of a fervent opinion, but like many of America's founding brothers, he had his faults. It seems as if every early American was sex maniac. Today's scandals pale in comparison to some of the exploits of the late 18th century. But enough of that, this is an excellent book. Mr. Brands has put forth a worthy effort of the highest praise, his synthesis of historical fact, historical fiction and storytelling is superb. His reputation has preceded him, but there is one flaw in the book. It is incredibly hard to read. I have a degree in history and have read many history books, but this is one of the more difficuly I have ever read. It ranks up their with The Swordbearers, the history of World War I and The Age Of Jackson, the Pulitzer Prize winning history of America during the Crisis perido leading up to the Civil War. Don't be intimidated, this is an excellent book. It is worth the money to buy and is more than worth the time and effort to read. If you want to understand anything about the American Revolution on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, you must read this book. Ben Franklin was instrumental in his role in securing deals with France to win our independence. This gets my highest recommendation.
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