The writing was clear, the story well told. It didn't feel like a history lesson but I did re-learn a bit of history and enjoyed getting to know the man. Glad I tried it. the narration was well done also, not distracting.

Overall yes. Although written in two year increments there is occasionally some "flashback" type of connections that jumps farther than that. It's a little disorienting when listening and might track better in written form. There are also sections where the shear number of people interacting can become overwhelming, especially when many of them are not famous historically. Yet due to the length and volume of the work I think many more people are likely to conquer this worthwhile work by audio.

Well, Benjamin Franklin. He's really the only significant character here.

Much of the story takes on the feel of a anecdotal tale you might hear from a friend. Not to infer the work is not well performed and interesting, rather the technique occasionally varies to a more intimate tone of inference. This didn't distract from the performance but would cause you to find yourself smiling in a kind of shared confidence of friend passing along a tale of a sometimes eccentric mutual acquaintance. Considering the length of the material I found Mr. Runger did and excellent job of holding my interest through such a long period.

I found some of Franklin's comments during the Constitutional Congress to be prophetic and remarkably insightful. I was personally struck by his comment when asked by a woman waiting outside as the delegates left after approving the Constitution 'what have you done for us?' he responded " Given you a Republic...if you can keep it".

The courage, personal risk and level of commitment of Franklin and his contemporaries comes through to inspire and humble those of us enjoying the fruits of their accomplishments. As you learn who they were and what they were trying to accomplish it makes you realize why they constructed some of the government as they did. They perhaps trusted to personal honor and integrity to a degree we no longer do, but we would also most likely fail to accomplish what they did without it.
It is a long listen, but if you like to know the people behind the facts of history snip-its, it is well worth your time.

Detailed expose on the life and times of Franklin. Interesting and informative. One of Brands better works.

First of all it was entirely too long and too detailed. TO be sure, Ben Franklin was obviously a great man and he lived a long and full life which deserves such treatment, however the author spent so much time discussing random friends, acquaintances, and contemporary accounts that his (Franklin's) life got muted. I'm glad I stuck it, but more like in the way that you feel after finishing exams than from completing a task you enjoy.

Not really, I'd have to think that other biographers do a better job of editing and focusing on the things that matter.

The constant swallowing, nose breathing, and other gross noises made listening a bit distracting...and at times disgusting. Runger is a great reader and I enjoyed his voice, but I do think they should have been able to edit the track a bit better.

I was mostly glad to have learned so much about an important figure during an important time in our history, I just wish it could have been more fun.

Very well-written biography of Benjamin Franklin- didn't shy away from any aspect of his life. Not to be missed!

All of the life experiences he had and all that he accomplished.

No

No, it just made me appreciate what a person can accomplish and motivated me to be a better citizen.

This is a great book for anyone of almost any age to listen to.It is a must for anyone interested in history.

I very much enjoyed listening to this life story of Benjamin Franklin. I am not an historian, though I enjoy listening to history. So this is not a critique of the historical work of the author. I happen to love John Adams and realize he and Franklin didn't get along. Little by little I gain insights. But I still love them both with all their differences. And the other founding fathers as well.

The book has an awful lot of words for an awfully long and busy life. I was entertained all the way. It is well written and well read. I did hear some odd pronounciations, but only a few. No big deal. Franklin worked very hard as a young man. He managed to transcend limitations on his life that other people would have simply made lemonade with. He had fingers in so many pies; he initiated so many civic projects, if he were living in our time, his life would still have been a great achievement. I mean! This cute old man had the high society of Paris ROTFL! When did he learn up-to-the-minute courtly and colloquial French? Travel was hard back then, and he nontheless did the necessary travel until his last days. The book is inspiring, uplifting, informative, good value. I will listen again. And again.

It as an excellent adiobiogrfy

How He was Such a good statesmen and

Yes No it's impossible listen to one setting better than wonderful but Atland talking a lot about the first time

It took me about two weeks relisten to the spray

I recommend this book to anyone who wants Lermo history

As another reviewer pointed out, the story of this amazing person was just too hard to find. Although I appreciate the surrounding context, too much was available. Never have I wished for an abridged version of anything before, but I wanted it here. I stopped listening after 7 chapters.

I also found the narrator stilted and hard to stick with. Perhaps it was because my most recent audio book was a Bill Bryson work (A Short History of Nearly Everything) that my standards now require a narrator with more variation in his reading.

Overall, if you are really, really interested in history, perhaps these details shouldn't stop you. If you are like me and looking for more information about a historical figure, but not intent on a thorough study, pass.

Probably not. His research is impeccable but his main character is buried in so many details that interrupt the unfolding. I find my mind wandering as I listen.

I love history. Brand is no Bruce Catton.

I never got used to Nelson Runger's stiffness of voice.

As I said, the research was impeccable but often wandered away from the main tale.

This is the first book I've downloaded that I've abandoned. I listened to all of part I and half of part II. It just didn't engage me.