Benjamin Franklin: Made in America

By: Jeff Webb

Narrated by: Jeff Webb

Length: 6 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Called the “First American” and credited with “Inventing America”, Benjamin Franklin lived a life that invites hyperbole. Few rival Franklin for his range of accomplishment across a number of domains of human endeavor, and few lived a life of such consequence in one of history’s most consequential eras. In reality, Franklin’s true story eclipses the myths that pervade his legacy.

Benjamin Franklin: Made in America traces the fascinating twists and turns that make this Founding Father’s story so remarkable. In 15 dynamic audio lectures, award-winning American history Professor Jeffrey Webb explores Franklin’s career beginning with his post as a young newspaperman and continuing into his leadership roles on the frontiers of cultural, intellectual, political, and scientific developments.

Webb elucidates pivotal moments when Benjamin’s contributions helped determine the fate of the continent: the Albany Congress, the Stamp Act debates, and the Treaty of Paris negotiations. He then explores Franklin’s significant contributions as a transformational statesman and innovator who discovered the lightning rod, became the country’s first successful publisher, and created the public library system.

Perhaps most compelling, Webb shows how Franklin lent his particular genius to champion ideas considered radical in his time: free press and free speech, scientific and technological progress, and the gospel of individual self-improvement.

As you travel throughout Franklin’s life with Webb, you’ll witness the making of the modern world.

This course is part of the Learn25 collection.

©2020 Now You Know Media, Inc. (P)2020 Now You Know Media, Inc.

Penetrating Insight from an Expert Presenter

A theme of this course is that Franklin was in many ways 'the First American.' Pragmatic, entrepreneurial, hard working, open minded, tolerant; he was living these very American values well before the Revolution kicked off. He helped define our national culture and that's why he's a legend today.

Webb's analysis throughout the course is incisive; he gets to the heart of the matter in each topic and doesn't waste words. Highly recommend this one.

Shows Franklin's Human Side

As Americans, we grow up hearing all of Franklin's many accomplishments, but this course puts them in context in a totally new way. You learn about Franklin as a person negotiating a new world, trying to be both respectable and pioneering. By situating his achievements amid discussion of the turbulent cultural and political world in which he lived, you come away with an even greater appreciation for his singular talents.

A Wonderful Bio

Jeff Webb does a great job of introducing you to the life of Ben Franklin beyond his affinity to kite flying. It is absolutely remarkable how much this man did that we didn't read about in school.

Webb's approach doesn't feel as much like reading a book as others. I found the more conversational approach to be highly engaging and helped me to speed through this book.