The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

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Benjamin Franklin may have been the most remarkable American ever to live: a printer, scientist, inventor, politician, diplomat, and--finally--an icon. His life was so sweeping that this comprehensive biography by H.W. Brands at times reads like a history of the United States during the 18th century. Franklin was at the center of America's transition from British colony to new nation, and was a kind of Founding Grandfather to the Founding Fathers; he was a full generation older than George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Patrick Henry, and they all viewed him with deep respect. "Of those patriots who made independence possible, none mattered more than Franklin, and only Washington mattered as much," writes Brands (author of a well-received Teddy Roosevelt biography, T.R.: The Last Romantic). Franklin was a complex character who sometimes came up a bit short in the personal virtue department, once commenting, "That hard-to-be-governed passion of youth had hurried me frequently into intrigues with low women that fell in my way." When he married, another woman was already pregnant with his child--a son he took into his home and had his wife raise.

Franklin is best remembered for other things, of course. His still-famous Poor Richard's Almanac helped him secure enough financial freedom as a printer to retire and devote himself to the study of electricity (which began, amusingly, with experiments on chickens). His mind never rested: He invented bifocals, the armonica (a musical instrument made primarily of glass), and, in old age, a mechanical arm that allowed him to reach books stored on high shelves. He served American interests as a diplomat in Europe; without him, France might not have intervened in the American Revolution. He helped draft the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. He possessed a sense of humor, too. In 1776, when John Hancock urged the colonies to "hang together," Franklin is said to have commented, "We must indeed all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately." Franklin's accomplishments were so numerous and varied that they threaten to read like a laundry list. Yet Brands pours them into an engrossing narrative, and they leap to life on these pages as the grand story of an exceptional man. The First American is an altogether excellent biography. --John J. Miller

Book Description

In the first comprehensive biography of Benjamin Franklin in over sixty years, acclaimed historian H. W. Brands brings vividly to life one of the most delightful, bawdy, brilliant, original, and important figures in American history.

A groundbreaking scientist, leading businessman, philosopher, bestselling author, inventor, diplomat, politician, and wit, Benjamin Franklin was perhaps the most beloved and celebrated American of his age, or indeed of any age. Now, in a beautifully written and meticulously researched account of Franklin's life and times, his clever repartee, generous spirit, and earthy wisdom are brought compellingly to the page.

His circle of friends and acquaintances extended around the globe, from Cotton Mather to Voltaire, from Edmund Burke to King George III, from Sir Isaac Newton to Immanuel Kant. Franklin was gifted with a restless curiosity, and his scientific experiments with electric currents and the weather made him the leading pioneer in the new field of electricity on both sides of the Atlantic; among his many inventions were the lightning rod, the Franklin stove, and the harmonica, a musical instrument that became the rage of Europe.

From his humble beginnings in Boston as a printer's apprentice, he became, within two decades, the leading printer and one of the most important businessmen in the Colonies. A longtime Philadelphia civic leader, he created Philadelphia's first fire department, wrote the bestseller Poor Richard's Almanac, served as Postmaster General for the Colonies, and in the process, completely modernized the mail service. A bon vivant and ladies' man throughout his life, he matched wits with Parliament and the Crown during the decade leading up to the Stamp Act; and as the official agent to Parliament, representing several of the Colonies, he helped push the Colonies into open rebellion.

Tracing Franklin's gradual transformation from reluctant revolutionary to charismatic leader in the fight for independence, Brands convincingly argues that on the issue of revolution, as Franklin went, so went America. During the Revolutionary War, Franklin was charged by Congress with wooing the King of France to the American cause, and it was the diplomatic alliances he forged and funds he raised in France that allowed the Continental Army to continue to fight on the battlefield. In his final years, as president of the Constitutional Convention, it was Franklin who held together the antagonistic factions and persuaded its members to sign the Constitution.

Drawing on previously unpublished letters to and from Franklin, as well as the recollections and anecdotes of Franklin's contemporaries, H. W. Brands has created a rich and compelling portrait of the eighteenth-century genius who was in every respect America's first Renaissance man, and arguably the pivotal figure in colonial and revolutionary America. A fascinating and richly textured biography of the man who was perhaps the greatest of our Founding Fathers, The First American is history on a grand scale, as well as a major contribution to understanding Franklin and the world he helped to shape.

Customer Reviews:

A model citizen and person, not just for Americans.......2007-09-17

An apt title, as the book successfully shows Franklin to have possessed the spirit, work ethic, independence, secularism, tolerance, aptitude and passion that are so quinessentially American (or I should say, allegedly American).

True, the book did drag a bit, and at the least expected times---during the revolution!; I wearied of reading about the subtle seductions and other flirtations between Franklin and his various French hosts' wives. Even more laborious and frustrating was plodding through some of the actual writings themselves---all while conscious of far more riveting exploits occurring elsewhere---namely, the Revolution itself! Still, I was grateful to gain a fresh insight on the war, from the perspective of this unexpected but indispensable, behind-the-scenes hero.

On the whole, I did find the book very enjoyable and interesting. Reading about Franklin's life inspires emulation, however daunting and futile such an undertaking might be.

An absolute joy of a biography.......2007-08-20

This is a very impressive biography of a very important American. Brands does an absolutely woderful job in taking Franklin's unbelievably full and eventful life and organizing it in such a way that it is a fast and enjoyable read.

What makes for this to be such a fascinating biography is Franklin himself, a lot of which he himself wrote in his autobiography. Yet Brands does an amazing job of interweaving what others thought of Franklin through their correspondence with him and others, as well as telling the history that revolves around virtually everything that Franklin did. This is what has made this biography such an amazing read, because we are given such a complete and full picture of the man and era that we feel as though we are there with Franklin.

I can really find nothing bad with this biography, nor with Brands. He writes in such a way that you want to continue reading, which is the mark of good writing. I would definitely recommend both this book as well as this author to everyone. An absolute joy of a biograohy.

5 stars.

Very informative.......2007-07-10

very informative yet enjoyable read on the man many consider to be more infulential then any other single person in the creation of this country.

The Man Behind The Country .......2007-07-02

'The First American' is an amazing book about the most amazing character ever to live in America. Benjamin Franklin is the hands-down leader in the shaping and development of our U.S. country and culture. He is still the most well known scientist of our time. He also contributed to our winning of the Revolutionary War and the development of our democratic process that we hold dear. Our country owes him gratitude for his creation of libraries, universities, and fire fighting. We are touched everyday by his innovations in science. The list of his accomplishments goes on and on. Unfortunately, so does this book. I often found myself struggling to get through fluff and a writer who at times finds it necessary to be long-winded. Yet, this book confirmed my praise to a man that always deserves more credit. The only reason I am giving this book a four is that I believe that the normal American would have a difficult time finishing it. All Americans should read the life story of a man that helped develop the freedom that we cherish. It should be required reading in college, and it should fill high school libraries.

Not Only the First, but One of the Greatest.......2007-04-18

Engagingly written. Filled with insightful details. Altogether a splendid read! Should be on every American's reading list.

The First American - The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

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The First American - The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin
H. W. Brands
Manufacturer: Doubleday/Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000RPMMHM

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The First American : The life and times of Benjamin Franklin
Brands H. W.
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000X5386K

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The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin

Manufacturer: Easton Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000FH4KL8

Product Description

Leatherbound edition with gold gilt page edges.

The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin (Part Two)

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The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin (Part Two)
H. W. Brands
Manufacturer: Recorded Books, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
ASIN: 0788788701

Customer Reviews:

Great addition and amplification of ACW battlefield guides........2006-08-30

If you are familiar with either or both of the two editions of the excellent "Civil War Battlefield Guide", then you should add "The Official Virginia Civil War Guide" to your collection. This book has the advantage than in focusing on about 1/3rd as much of the war, it can do so in far greater depth.

Many small conflicts that don't receive more than a mention in the other guides are prominently and competently presented here. This makes the work a handy reference tool and an interesting read in its own right.

The layout is an improvement over the previously mentioned guides in several ways. Not only is there increased depth, but tactical maps are included for every event covered--rather than just the major ones. In addition, simple campaign maps are also included (something missing in many battle monographs even.) One weakness is that the tactical maps are not overlaid onto topographical maps, so in cases where the guides both have maps the general work is preferable in most instances.

The information on visitor centers, directions, and interesting background is very helpful as well. Also of note, the introduction states that all royalties from the book will go towards preservation efforts in Virginia.

One can only hope that similar works will be produced for other regions. This guide sets a fine standard for others to follow.

Much more than a travel guide.......2004-07-16

This is one of the most useful guides I've ever read. Virginia was host to nearly 1/3rd of all Civil War engagements, and this guide covers them all like a mini-history of the war. Unlike travel books that are organized geographically, this guide organizes them chronologically. Each campaign is prefaced by a detailed overview, followed by concise (from 1 to 4 pages, depending on the battle's importance) but engrossing descriptions of the individual engagements. These descriptions make this a great book to browse through when you're not in the car. Most sites' summaries touch on their condition--whether they're threatened by development (as too many are) and whether they're in private hands or protected by the park service.

Book Description

Eighteen sixty-three began with Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia in the field and ended with the Southern armies in tatters but still engaging George C. Meade's Army of the Potomac. THE STORM TIDE traces the history of the battles of Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, and provides a series of easy-to-follow tour guides to the battlefields today.

Customer Reviews:

The Greatest CW Tour Book on Virginia.......2001-12-08

This absoloute Civil War site traveler book is fantastic in helping you locate and enjoy virtually every Civil war site in Virginia. Robertson smartly divides VA. into geographic regions
where he maps out the locations of famous CW sites with not only directions but brief description sof the events. With this book I found the famous Drewry's Bluff defense site located above the James river 7 miles below Richmond where the Confederates stopped the monitor and it's fleet and in 1864 played a key role in stoping the Union advance to take Petersburg and Richmond. A remote and beautiful earthwork over the river. Obviously, the great sites of Manasas and Richmond are noted but
off the beaten path locations are best. The site of Turner Ashby's death putside of Harrisonburg off a dirt road into the woods, the site of the Rifle pits and trenches of the North Anna campaign, the star shaped eathern fort in Smithfield, the remote twin on the opposite side of the James in Fort Eustis Army Base, Fort Early an earthwork in Lynchburg, the huge trenches in Newport News City Park, the Jackson valley Campaign and on. A great road trip book and I hope he will have an updated edition with more off road sites. Caution is needed regarding areas that have been developed since the initial printing. Original access roads may have been changed or renamed such as at Yellow Tavern where the connecting street, now called Old Francis Rd., no longer crosses U.S. 1. Now you must go further north and take a right (east) on VA. Center Parkway (North of 295 overpass) from U.S. 1 to old Telegraph Road, then travel south, .1 mile past Old Francis Rd to find Stuart's death site.

Mosby's Confederacy: A Guide to the Roads and Sites of Colonel John Singleton Mosby

Average customer rating:

Pure facination for those who really enjoy the Civil War
Excellent information on Colonel Mosby and his mission.

Mosby's Confederacy: A Guide to the Roads and Sites of Colonel John Singleton Mosby
Thomas J. Evans , and James M. Moyer
Manufacturer: White Mane Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Tourist Destinations & Museums | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1572492783

Customer Reviews:

Pure facination for those who really enjoy the Civil War.......2003-04-06

As a civil war buff who enjoys touring, I unexpectedly lucked onto this rare,out of print,1991 edition in a major bookstore recently.It was the only copy on the shelf. I devoured it in conjunction a Blue & Gray magazine trilogy about John Singleton Mosby's exploits during the war in Virginia. This Evans/Moyer book is loaded with neat little tid-bits of information about the man, himself, his many facinating associates and opponents, their controversial engagements and the multitude of specific locations where his "Rangers" operated from 1863 to 1865.Fortunately, many of these sites are still available in beautiful, historic, north-central Virginia. I give it 5 stars even though it's map/diagrams are confusing and can only be understood with the assistance of updated, fully detailed maps. Despite these defects the book deserves such a rating.

Excellent information on Colonel Mosby and his mission........1998-10-13

Thoroughly researched and entertaining, this rare and compelling book is a must have for Civil War enthusiasts. Bravo!!

Forged in Fire: A History and Tour Guide of the War in the East, From Manassas to Antietam, 1861-1862 (Miles, Jim. Civil War Explorer Series.)

Average customer rating:

Excellent Tour Guide

Forged in Fire: A History and Tour Guide of the War in the East, From Manassas to Antietam, 1861-1862 (Miles, Jim. Civil War Explorer Series.)
Jim Miles
Manufacturer: Cumberland House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | World | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1581820895

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Tour Guide.......2002-03-30

Mr. Miles's book is one of the most complete history/tour guides of the Civil War's first years in the East I have ever read/used. Not only does he cover the major battles, but he takes you off the beaten track to sites ordinarily passed over. His histories of the battles and leaders are informative and his guides to the battlefields are very thorough. The only things keeping the book from getting five stars are a few slight inaccuracies in directions to sites and a couple of small factual errors. All of these errors are relatively minor, and only diehard battlefield trampers like myself will even notice them.

The U.S. Army War College Guide to the Battles of Chancellorsville & Fredericksburg

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An Excellent Guide to Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg!

The U.S. Army War College Guide to the Battles of Chancellorsville & Fredericksburg

Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Strategy | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0060972521

Customer Reviews:

An Excellent Guide to Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg!.......2004-07-05

In my humble opinion, Luvaas and Nelson have written an important and helpful guide anyone who wants to know more about the Battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville.

The chapters' format are as follows:

1. Detailed driving directions to the site.
2. What happened at the particular site during the battle.
3. An account of the action by an actual participant.
4. Map(s) showing troop dispositions during the action.

I have referred to the title during some of my many visits to both battlefields and have gained a greater appreciation for the challenges facing commanders and other participants.

The only complaint is the maps - too few and not detailed enough.
Complaint aside, I highly recommend the book as a valuable guide.

Book Description

The battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, 1862-63, were remarkable in several respects. Both revealed the problems of mounting a serious attack at night and provided the first examples of the now-familiar trench warfare. Fredericksburg featured street fighting and river crossings under fire. Chancellorsville was marked by Stonewall Jackson's death and the rare instance of mounted cavalry attacking infantry. In addition, the latter battle also demonstrated in striking fashion the profound influence of the commander on the battle. The Union committed more soldiers, supplies, money, and better equipment than did the Confederacy, and yet Lee won.

Eyewitness accounts by battle participants make these guides an invaluable resource for travelers and nontravelers who want a greater understanding of five of the most devastating yet influential years in our nation's history. Explicit directions to points of interest and maps--illustrating the action and showing the detail of troop position, roads, rivers, elevations, and tree lines as they were 130 years ago--help bring the battles to life. In the field, these guides can be used to recreate each battle's setting and proportions, giving the reader a sense of the tension and fear each soldier must have felt as he faced his enemy.

This book is part of the U.S. Army War College Guides to Civil War Battles series.

Customer Reviews:

ACW Battlefield Tour Bibles.......1998-08-24

These series of books are the best available resource for conducting ACW battlefield tours - assuming that your purpose in touring battlefields is to study and understand the applicable tactics, strategy and terrain and to develop an appreciation for the objectives and efforts of the participants. If you go to ACW battlefields to gawk and gossip as an everyday tourist then you do not need to study these guides. If you have an active interest in ACW history, military history in general or fascinating chapters in human history, then these guides are remarkable values, "Best Buys". Thorough but not intimidating, insightful and objective, with no deficiencies noted.

Pinpoint Guide to Virginia: Richmond to Appomattox Civil War Sites (Pinpoint Guides)

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Pinpoint Guide to Virginia: Richmond to Appomattox Civil War Sites (Pinpoint Guides)
James Condra
Manufacturer: Crane Hill Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Tourist Destinations & Museums | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

North America | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1575870886

Book Description

With individual guides that cover Civil War sites in specific areas, this series uses unique formatting to make the terrain of each regions' battles come to life. Each guide features a heavy-duty paper stock laminated for durability, with an area map on the back of the fully opened piece. When the piece is folded horizontally in half, pinpoint descriptions and photos of key sites fill each accordion-folded side.

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