K2 recommends....
THE FIRST AMERICAN: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, by H.W. Brands (a Pulitzer Prize finalist)
How well do you know Ben??? You might just be surprised…..
In truth, I was initially attracted to this book as a new Philadelphian, seeking a little more information about past events in my historic city. What I uncovered was an engaging, delightful biography that revealed a Ben Franklin I never knew!
Told where possible through letters, autobiographical pieces, and historical record, Ben’s thoughts and adventures unfold. Young Ben was quite a rascal, and his path to Philadelphia was by no means a simple one. In particular, I enjoyed Ben’s deft, recurring use of literary alter-egos (eg Silence Dogood, Alice Addertongue, Caelia Shortface, etc) as a means to sway public opinion, scold, or scandalize. Another manifestation of Ben’s wit (Polly Baker) proved to be an early advocate of women’s rights. Go Ben!!!
Of course, in the later “Founding Father” years, much of the information was not new to me, but I still I found it to be cleverly written and an excellent read. All said, I can strongly recommend this book.
THE FIRST AMERICAN: THE LIFE AND TIMES OF BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, by H.W. Brands (a Pulitzer Prize finalist)
How well do you know Ben??? You might just be surprised…..
In truth, I was initially attracted to this book as a new Philadelphian, seeking a little more information about past events in my historic city. What I uncovered was an engaging, delightful biography that revealed a Ben Franklin I never knew!
Told where possible through letters, autobiographical pieces, and historical record, Ben’s thoughts and adventures unfold. Young Ben was quite a rascal, and his path to Philadelphia was by no means a simple one. In particular, I enjoyed Ben’s deft, recurring use of literary alter-egos (eg Silence Dogood, Alice Addertongue, Caelia Shortface, etc) as a means to sway public opinion, scold, or scandalize. Another manifestation of Ben’s wit (Polly Baker) proved to be an early advocate of women’s rights. Go Ben!!!
Of course, in the later “Founding Father” years, much of the information was not new to me, but I still I found it to be cleverly written and an excellent read. All said, I can strongly recommend this book.
