Carl van Doren / EASTON PRESS The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin 1976

by Benjamin Franklin

extremely rare,very good condition

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Politics, American History, Business, Audiobook

Leather Bound

First published January 1, 1938

About the author

Benjamin Franklin was a writer, a philosopher, a scientist, a politician, a patriot, a Founding Father, an inventor, and publisher. He helped with the founding of the United States of America and changed the world with his discoveries about electricity. His writings such as Poor Richards' Almanac have provided wisdom for 17 years to the colonies.

Reviews

[Carl Bluesy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book does a great job of stationary thing that Franklin accomplished and was involved in. It definitely left no stone unturned.

But, it does a horrible job explain in who Benjamin Franklin was as a person. I didn’t expect this, but to focus heavily on his accomplishments and don’t know where that makes him look very good. But I went so overboard with this that it made it hearted hell what was actually done, what was exaggerated, and what was just falsified. All three of those were done constantly throughout this book, to the point where it seems that Franklin could do no wrong have no thought that wasn’t brilliant brilliant, and was not seen as the perfect person amongst everyone who met him.

It lift this book unrounded and seem to force more on building up the legend of breaking rather than the state in the actual truth about who the man was in the true extent of his successes. Yes many of the accomplishments he made in this book are true, but with all the exaggeration and misinformation, it made what was true harder to believe.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among my bibliophile friends, is a subset who enjoy historical biographies. A friend loaned me this bio of Benjamin Franklin, a 1939 Pulitzer winner that occupies >800 dense pages. I flinched, but Steve loved it, so I put my head down and tucked in.

Other than facts learned in grade school, my first exposure to Franklin was from his autobiography. What a man! Then I looked at him through John and Abigail Adams' eyes: lascivious and scandalous. What a jerk! So help me, after reading this I now find him charming and witty. And amazing. Though he is flawed, I applaud.

This is a sympathetic biography. I don't believe it crosses the line, but it is certainly in the suburbs of hagiography. Here's how it begins.

This is a long book. It could twice as easily have been three times as long. From Franklin's beginnings as a journalist at sixteen to his retirement from public affairs at eighty-two there was no break in his activity, and he was—and is—unsurpassed by any man in the range of his natural gifts and of the important uses he put them too.

I've copied quotes and made notes in more than 30 pages of my journal. Here are a few things I noticed:

♥ He lived a considerable time overseas as a diplomat. Ten years in England. Nine years in France. Before there was a United States, Franklin was its first ambassador.
♥ He was estranged from his son, William, because William (governor of New Jersey) was a loyalist. Their relationship before the war was very close.
♥ At one time he was considered the most famous man in the world
♥ His was inquisitive: electricity, Gulf stream, Scottish tunes, women's make up
♥ He loved children; he loved big families; BF's friends' children became BF's friends
♥ He shared a bed with John Adams when the inn was full
♥ He was the reason France loaned millions to America
♥ He was once a slave-owner, but ended his days as an abolitionist
♥ He is the epitome of an autodidact, a life-long learner
♥ The short list of people he personally knew: Cotton Mather, George Whitefield, King George III, Adam Smith, King Louis XVI, Edmund Burke, William Pitt, William Wilberforce

I don't think I've ever read an index of a book before, but I read this one as a review. And there it is: Nudism, BF's, 405. What?! Yep, he spent his first hour awake reading and writing sans clothes.

There were sections of slogging; but I can't remember them now. The closer to the end I got, the sharper my interest became.

[Joseph Wycoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

Van Doren's biography relies heavily on long passages from the many personal letters and public writings of Benjamin Franklin. The strength of Van Doren's approach rests in the selections he offers in support of the modest narrative presented to the reader. Three aspects of Franklin's character and life become most prominent in the course of Van Doren's work. First, Franklin was an indefatigable natural philosopher who never ceased to engage in research and discussions of the most significant discoveries of the age. Franklin's detailed descriptions of his own experiments provide insight into a meticulous mind seeking a first principle or law on which to build scientific and philosophical knowledge. Second, Franklin seemed never to be far from a printing press, even going so far as to set up a press in his quarters in France during the American Revolutionary War. At a young age, he regarded the new technology as the key instrument of liberty: “Whoever would overthrow the liberty of a nation must begin by subduing the freeness of speech: a thing terrible to public traitors.” (27) In his mature years as a diplomat and a humorist, he wielded the power of the press to satirize the official doctrines and agents of Great Britain with his most famous political tracts. Third, Franklin imagined America as a country at a time when it added up to less than the sum of its colonial parts. In the colonial era to 1757, he never ceased in the effort to build a continental community of acquaintances and learned men in his capacity as a printer and postmaster. Remarkably, during his long absence in England and France thereafter, his notion of American as a nation grew more clear and distinct in defense of the rights and interests of the colonists. After his political philosophy came to fruition in the Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution, Franklin considered the new American nation best suited to those who lacked social station or economic means in their own nations: “When foreigners after looking about for some other country in which they can obtain more happiness give a preference to ours, it is a proof of attachment which ought to excite our confidence and affection.” (752) A biography for those with an interest in numerous excerpts from Benjamin Franklin's vast body of writings in historical context.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benjamin Franklin. 1939, by Carl Van Doran. This very detailed work must surely include at least one excerpt from every documented written word that Franklin ever composed. Carl Van Doran is skilled at framing the endless supply of witty quotes giving them context and definition. The in-congruencies between Franklin's own autobiography and Van Doran's biography are numerous and sometimes humorous. Written in his mid-eighties, Franklin shares in his autobiography that one of the secrets to his success lies in his ability to utilize time, insisting that he never squandered his evenings away drinking ale in pubs. Carl Van Doran manages to find a long list of hugely entertaining beer drinking songs composed and disseminated to friends by the young Benjamin Franklin himself! Besides singing in pubs, the breadth of Franklin's accomplishments are of course enormous. His life is worth knowing, the biography well written, making this book one of the best sellers of 1939.

[Barbara Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fast reader, and this book is the only book ever to make me want to slow my reading and savor the author's words. Profound sentences I would read over and over again. It's a huge undertaking, to be sure, but worth every moment to read about about on of the Greatest Americans.

[Marie Carmean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an absolute masterpiece. One of the best biographies I have ever read about anyone. It is a very long book, but for good reason. There is so much detail about every aspect of Franklin's life, from his boyhood to his time as elder statesman. I learned so much about this amazing man, and came to love him dearly, as so many have done before me, because of every wonderful page of writing. I can't imagine how much work writing this incredible volume had to have taken, and how much research and painstaking digging into every facet of Franklin's being, and I can't praise Carl Van Doren enough. Everyone who loves our country, everyone who loves history, or who just "thinks" they know and love Franklin should read this incredible book!

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this on audiobook and had no idea it was published in 1938. I see only 27 other people have troubled to rate it here on GR. Yet, somehow, the library app tells me "someone is waiting" for the audio.

Franklin’s life was long, and so was this book. The age of 84 years and 3 months doesn’t seem so very old by today’s standards, but in the book it seemed like he was highly conscious of his declining status for the last two decades of his life. In the first years of the Revolution he travelled to visit the Continental Army group that was invading Canada, and that trip seemed to almost be the end of him. Subsequently he went to Paris as a kind of American goodwill ambassador, and stayed there for nine years. He successfully schmoozed the French into a treaty of mutual aid. It was complicated – he was one of a 3-person legation, there were British spies everywhere, and nothing happened in a straightforward manner. Through it all, Franklin’s esteem only increased.

Prior to that, Franklin had lived in London for fully 16 years ending in 1775. It was very interesting to see how much effort Franklin put into the idea of securing the rights of Englishmen to the colonists. He was convinced that political liberty within the comforting umbrella of the British Empire would have been good for both Britain and for the colonies. Here again, through 16 years, little happened in a straightforward manner. When open rebellion broke out, he was unjustly pilloried as the cause of it all, which was very far from the actual case. He was widely reviled in England, almost to the extent that he was later hailed in France.

His wife Dorothy died in Philadelphia while he was in London. That was sad. In those days one did not lightly cross the Atlantic, and even in his London days it seems he felt that his declining robustness was a factor in limiting his ability to stand up to the rigors of crossing.

It seems he is the one who, during the Constitutional Convention, proposed the compromise that gave each State equal representation in the Senate, while having representation by population in the House. By that time he was super-old and for the most part he just lent gravitas to the proceedings by his very presence.

What a life he had. A true self-made man. There’s a reason for him to be an icon all these centuries later.

[Logan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best biography I've ever read, but still a very masterful interweaving of quotations from Franklin with the narrative of his life and influence. The first half was frustrating because it seemed mostly a re-stating and quoting of Franklin's autobiography, yet it makes sense that this would be the case, as Franklin's own account is really the only one existing.

Franklin himself was a fascinating individual and I love the curious way he looked at the world. He was never content to let some comment slide, e.g., when someone mentions that the Dutch barges go slower when the water in the canals is lower, he has to experiment to figure out why.

He may have softened in his Deism in later years, though still never came fully to acknowledge Christ. Still, it is easy to see why he was so famous and beloved in his own day and even today it would be difficult to find another his equal.

[Kelle Reynolds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This Pulitzer Prize winner is an exhaustive biography of the incredible life and accomplishments of Benjamin Franklin. I could have done without some of the details provided, such as lists of purchases, but I learned so much about this remarkable man from this book.

[Drew Goldman]

Doren describes Benajmin Franklin's life in scrutinizing, meticulous detail. Franklin was truly one of a kind. I understand why Charlie Munger respects Franklin so much. If I could choose one single human on whom I can base my life, I would, indubitably, choose Franklin. Here lies a story of morals, science, the quest for knowledge, business, politics, love, and more.

[Ted Satcher]

Excellent

[Jeff Keehr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the longest books on tape I have undertaken, and it was very rewarding. Franklin was a wonderful man and lived a tremendously interesting and pivotal life. He is one of the founding fathers, so the country's birth is woven into his own life story. He led an exemplary life, and I grew so attached to him during the telling that I was moved to tears at the moment of his death. His story reminded me of Alfred Sloan because both were intimately involved in the blossoming of a trade (print-Franklin) or an industry (automobiles-Sloan); and he reminded me of Samuel Johnson because he was so wise and literary.

[Mike · Rating 2 out of 5]

More work than fun. Franklin is an amazing man, but this is not an amazing book. Truman the man was not half as interesting as Franklin the man, but Truman the book (by McCullough) is twice as interesting as this book! If you're interested in Franklin, find a different book.

[Helen Azar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice biography which uses lots of contemporary primary sources (like diary excerpts) as opposed to only citing the usual sources like Franklin's autobiography written much later in his life, etc.

[Brian Beakley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still my favorite biography of Franklin (other than the Autobiography). Very long, but generally a pleasure to read.

[Mike Hohrath · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am fascinated by the life and times of Benjamin Franklin, he was born in 1706 and left Boston in 1722 to establish himself in Philadelphia. He established himself as one of America's first men of letters and as a eminent scientist. He was the first American to get recognition from Europe for his prodigious genius and talent. Through out the story, I was blown away by the breadth and depth of his interest in almost everything.
His accomplishment are many, they are scientific, political, and literary. He was one of the most famous people in the world in his time, and still may be historically one of the greatest of all time. I was constantly impressed by his wisdom, sagacity, and wit. He has many great quotes that still carry great truths today.
Carl Van Doren is an able Biographer, and brings as much of Dr. Franklin's own words, and of the words of his colleagues, as possible. Sometimes 2-3 pages are dedicated to the reading and analysis of some of Dr. Franklin's literary works, whether it is a letter to the Prime Minister of Britain or a casual private correspondence or a article published in a paper. I was able to get the full view of Dr. Franklin's thoughts, views, and actions (as much as history of this period allows). Very impressed by this book and story, I would recommend it to everyone.

[Bryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Benjamin Franklin was first a publisher, then a scientist, and finally the greatest diplomat America has ever produced. He led the quintessential American life, always wise, never snobbish, with the can do attitude for whatever happened to be his latest pursuit. This book details the life of a fascinating man whose life is deserving of the legend that has built up around it.

I laughed out loud at a quote of Franklin’s about John Adams. I think the quote could apply to me, which is probably why I enjoyed it so much.

‘He means well for his country; is always an honest man, often a wise one, but sometimes, and in some things, absolutely out of his senses.’

I also liked another quote at the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

‘Now we must all hang together,’ John Hancock said as he signed the Declaration.

To which Franklin replied, ‘Yes, we must all hang together or, most assuredly, we will all hang separately.’

Great Book!

[Stephen Morrissey · Rating 4 out of 5]

No Founding Father speaks to contemporary American more intimately than Benjamin Franklin: a man of science that wedded practicality with Yankee ingenuity; a politician who devoted himself to local causes that drive progress forward in his neighborhood, city, and colony; a fervent Englishmen who untethered himself English rights to cast about for a wholly new conception of power and liberty in the New World. Carl Van Doren’s biography is heavy on Franklin’s writings, but none the lesser for it, as Franklin’s word come alive with a wit and candor uncommon in the formality of George Washington, the cantankerousness of John Adams, or the soaring liberality of Thomas Jefferson.

Van Doren makes the case for Franklin as the man with the widest vision for what America could become, and actually became.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version—an incredibly long 33 hours! At first, I wasn’t sure I’d finish before my library loan expired, but I managed. The biography is extremely detailed, covering Franklin’s early life in Boston, his apprenticeship to his older brother, his bold move to Philadelphia where he founded his own print shop, and continuing through his later years as he aided the Revolutionary War, helped shape the new government, and even contributed to the birth of the abolitionist movement.

If you want a thorough, comprehensive account of Benjamin Franklin’s life and times, this is it. Next up on my list: The Loyal Son (about his relationship with William Franklin) and a biography of Benjamin Franklin Bache.

[Greg Gorman · Rating 2 out of 5]

A slow, painfully academic read. Van Doren needs to chronicle every individual day of Franklin’s life and transcribe letters and journal entries verbatim. From negotiating an alliance with the French to the Constitutional Convention, you can be sure to get the tedious rundown of everyone who crossed Franklin’s path and why those who didn’t cross his path weren’t able to. This book could have easily been edited down by at least 25% if Van Doren didn’t feel the need to include so many of Franklin’s papers, letters, and speeches. I wonder if he got paid by the word.

[Andrea Waugh · Rating 2 out of 5]

Should be titled "Loosely strung together excerpts of the complete collected works of Benjamin Franklin". It's less a biography of the man than a biography of his writings

A particular pet peeve: the author mentioned several times in the few chapters I endured that Franklin was the best writer of his age. I don't disagree, but the author offered no comparisons to convince me.

[Kristy Ledford · Rating 3 out of 5]

The narrator was super boring and sounded robotic. I do not recommend the audiobook version.

[John LeViness · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent writing on a fascinating and important figure. Sometimes books like these can get dry. This biography was engaging. Enjoy!

[Ethan :)]

DNF 12/13/2024

[Pewterbreath · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, informative book. I grew so attached to him I couldn't read the very end, because I didn't want the dear old rascal to die.

[August Hahn]

Legendary

[Rick A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book. Such rich detail about his life. A must read for any one who belongs to the Masonic fraternity, as well.

[David Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biography tells the story of the remarkable life of Benjamin Franklin by closely following textual sources—during his early life mostly hewing to his own writings before expanding, during the revolutionary years, to include his extensive correspondence. In fact, I would venture that at least 50% of the text in this book is in the form of direct quotation, a much higher fraction than in any biography I have read before. For me, this approach worked well, since I went in with a strong interest in Franklin. But, for the more casual reader, the book could get boring.

I had never appreciated before reading this just how long Franklin had spent in Europe: decades first as agent in England and then as ambassador to France. van Doren advocates a point of view, which I think is well supported, that there were two principal leaders of the revolution: Washington, in America, trying to win the martial war and Franklin, in Paris, trying to win the war for funding, support, and recognition. As Jefferson wrote:

"I told [Washington] that the world had drawn so broad a line between him and Dr. Franklin, on the one side, and the residue of mankind, on the other, that we might wear mourning for them, and the question still remain new and undecided as to all others."

[Foxglow · Rating 3 out of 5]

A comprehensive look at the man. NOT easy to read or follow. Once I figured out that it wasn't organized chronologically, rather by subject-each chapter starting chronologically on a different topic (loosely) it was easier to follow, but not terribly exciting reading.

[Elove]

extensive biography of Franklin with quotes