Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

By Walter Isaacson

This biography by Isaacson is quite impressive. It explores a wondrous American life that all Americans owe something to. Franklin played an extensive part in the formation of our country and how it is today. He was the only person present at the signing and creation of all our countries important original documents. This books goes into great detail about… all the aspects of Benjamin Franklin’s life that we have records of, the good and bad.

This book does much more to illistrate Franklin’s life than does his autobiography because it connects us to the clearest picture of reality available for the events of his life rather than the prideful ideas that he puts forth in his own perspective alone.

Franklin was an amazing person that did amazing things for his entire life, but he also had his faults. That is one reason that this book shines, its coverage of his mistakes and character flaws. He had a lot of pride in his life, and he definitely struggled in his family relations (perhaps one of the only areas that I have great disrespect for his choices and actions). Through this however he espoused many great and important ideas. Some of the ones that really hit home for me was the importance of compromise at times of prudence and an adage that he used for his political work and all areas of his life “why conquer your enemies when you can seduce them?” Very important lessons that many people will never learn.

So overall, if you have ever had any interest at all in the life of Benjamin Franklin, the founding of the United States of America, or the founding fathers of this country this book is a must read!

This book gets 5 out of 5 Stars, and is a great read.