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)

Thouroughly enjoyable.

Excellent reader and an amazing story with lots of information on Franklin that was new to me.

I loved it. a very inspiring book.

all the nuances of bf dance together to create a great history of a man who positioned himself to have so much influence on the times that he lived in, shaping the style of.how we live today

Every minute better than the last.

An honest look at one of our greatest founding fathers. A must read to really appreciate American history.

Memorable verse

Shortly said a memorable story of an interesting fella who saw beyond his own benefit.

Parts more interesting than others

This is a good story about an interesting figure in in American history. However, it did get slow in parts.

Essential

for anybody studying the American Revolution. Reader had a good and clear voice. Nice listen overall

Something you need to understand America

What an inspiration Ben will always be our friend. Superbly written with deep looks into the man and the implications of of his character and actions. The narration was skillful and entertaining. Well done on all fronts most especially to the main character, our guy, our example, our founder, our friend and our American father Benjamin. He is correct doing good for god is indeed done by doing good for your fellow man. Thank you. Thank you. This book shall remain one of my most treasured reads/listens.
It is worth the investment in time because it turn out to be an investment in your self. I am a better man because of this man life. Once again thank you Ben. Your values are recognized, appreciated and still are of great use.

Serendipity ; An Unexpected Revelation of the Man

Benjamin Franklin: An American Life, written the epitome biography author Walter Isaacson, and narrated by Nelson Runger (personally speaking not so epitome). It turns out to be that Benjamin Franklin; a founding father whose serendipity brought unto us, the Americans, a constitutional structure that is: a shinning light on the hill. I intentionally mean to use the play on the word constitutional to mean both the formal bicameral and division of power of our political system as well as our inner and entrepreneurial nature as post-Renaissance humans. We owe Franklin dealy for that heritage. What was surprising though, is that as a family man and for that matter as a friend, to others, he was lacking, in that he was self-centered and not necessarily appreciative of the commitment others gave to the man. In short, an interesting study of a man who turns out to be less then what we were told. A disappointment; but nevertheless, an essential ingredient to our beautifully formed government. Our Republic; if we can keep it.


On Issacson’s style, like his other works, he displays in storybook fashion too many facts one thinks, but he nevertheless keeps one’s attention and does deliver to the reader/listener a dissection and much about the man, his times and human foibles and luck to consider. I do not thin Mr. Runger is much of a reader but do not think his lack therein, in any manner diminishes this very good read.

Inspiring

One of the best biographies I have ever read. Beautifully written. Helps to understand the trascendental influence of Franklin in America’s history, culture and politics.

Another Isaacson Masterpiece

What a fascinating look at Franklin's life and impacts. And the audio performance by Runger Justus adds to the enjoyment.