Benjamin Franklin: An American Life

By: Walter Isaacson

Narrated by: Nelson Runger

Length: 24 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's summary

Benjamin Franklin is the founding father who winks at us - an ambitious urban entrepreneur who rose up the social ladder, from leather-aproned shopkeeper to dining with kings.

In best-selling author Walter Isaacson's vivid and witty full-scale biography, we discover why Franklin turns to us from history's stage with eyes that twinkle from behind his new-fangled spectacles. In Benjamin Franklin, Isaacson shows how Franklin defines both his own time and ours.

The most interesting thing that Franklin invented, and continually reinvented, was himself. America's first great publicist, he was consciously trying to create a new American archetype. In the process, he carefully crafted his own persona, portrayed it in public, and polished it for posterity. His guiding principle was a "dislike of everything that tended to debase the spirit of the common people". Few of his fellow founders felt this comfort with democracy so fully, and none so intuitively.

In this colorful and intimate narrative, Isaacson provides the full sweep of Franklin's amazing life, from his days as a runaway printer to his triumphs as a statesman, scientist, and Founding Father. He chronicles Franklin's tumultuous relationship with his illegitimate son and grandson, his practical marriage, and his flirtations with the ladies of Paris. He also shows how Franklin helped to create the American character and why he has a particular resonance in the 21st century.

©2003 Walter Isaacson (P)2011 Simon & Schuster

Critic reviews

"The most readable full-length Franklin biography available." ( The Washington Post Book World)

"Energetic, entertaining, and worldly." ( The New Yorker)

"In its common sense, clarity and accessibility, it is a fitting reflection of Franklin's sly pragmatism.... This may be the book that most powerfully drives a new pendulum swing of the Franklin reputation." ( The New York Times Book Review)

Truly the first American

When many right wing politicians talk of the founders, they generally do not reference Franklin as he is somewhat antithetical to their tenets of modern conservatism. He was for religious tolerance, political compromise, freedom of thought and the good of the common man. His belief in American exceptionalism was in the sense that we were the first to throw off the bonds of royal rule to rule ourselves. I think that he would shake his head mightily at some of the ways that modern politicians and judges purport to know the intent of the founders. Excellent work by Mr Isaacson. I can see why Steve Jobs asked for him specifically to write his biography.

complete biography, imperfect but worthy to read

Isaacson presents a solid overview of Franklin's life. I'll recommend this Franklin biography to people with an understanding of US revelutionary war and writing of the constitution. it layers on a better understanding and knits together our history by understanding Franklin's life.

To know Ben Franklin is to know Early America

A thorough and honest examination of the life and accomplishments of America's first citizen. He was the archetype of the American middle-class shopkeeper. Hard-working, industrious, brave yet wary of both the elite and the rabble-rousing mob. An inspiring life to say the least. I came away with a much deeper appreciation for Dr. Franklin's many contributions to the founding of our Nation.

Best Bio I ever read

This was the best biography of Benjamin Franklin I ever read, though it was my first I did consider it deserved superlative.

What a wonderful tale, so accurate told

I had always grown-up hearing about the “autobiography of Benjamin Franklin”, but I was reluctant to read it from his first-person-shooter frame of mind.
This biography has given to me the scope of Ben’s life I had wanted to know is a most accurate without sacrificing good story telling and “character development”

Great listen.

I travel for work so Audible has been a great tool. This book was an enjoyable listen and I liked the reader would change his voice when quoting a character. This helped to give it a more realistic feel which I enjoyed. This book helped break down Benjamin Franklin to show all his achievements while also showing his failing such as his relationship with his family. 10/10 recommend!

I like the subject matter

I liked learning all the new things about Ben.
It was nice to see from the beginning to the end of his life and his behavioral traits.
What a delightful fellow.

Best leadership book ever!

I loved the rags to riches story and I recommend this book to anyone wanting to be a leader. Also, changed my life about making friends and saving most earnings.

terrific book about one of the greatest Americans

I never knew all that Ben Franklin did and accomplished and how far into the future his legacy reached. Great history, great story from start to finish!

“Am American life” sums it up.

This book is detailed, and so in-depth of the finding of the research. Amazing life that Franklin lived. Even motivating! Great book!