Benjamin Franklin: A Biography

by Ronald William Clark

This fully documented account of 'the first American' gives a detailed and lively picture of the writer who invented the lightning conductor; the politician who spent years as emissary in London trying to prevent the American War of Independence; the statesman who, when war came, served as the United States representative in Paris, intriguing for French aid and American victory.

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction, American Revolution, Politics, American History, Biography Memoir

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1983

About the author

Ronald William Clark was a British author of biography, fiction and non-fiction. He was educated King's College School. In 1933, he embarked on a career as a journalist, and served as a war correspondent during the Second World War after being turned down for military service on medical grounds. As a war correspondent, Clark landed on Juno Beach with the Canadians on D-Day. He followed the war until the end, and remained in Germany to report on the major War Crimes trials. After his return to Britain he embarked upon a career as an author.

Reviews

[Joe Stack · Rating 2 out of 5]

When this was published in 1983, it was the first full scale biography of Franklin in 60 years. This biography is evidence that his life was filled with a variety of accomplishments in business, writing, science, politics, diplomacy, and other areas. In his time he may have been the equal to Thomas Jefferson. Compared to his exciting life this biography was a bit flat, losing my interest at times. This may have been because of the author’s extensive use of long passages from Franklin’s writings.

When the author describes a number of Franklin’s inventions towards the end of the book, I was disappointed that there weren’t pictures or renderings of them.

If you, the reader, are not familiar with Franklin’s accomplishments, this biography is a revelation regarding the important and critical parts he had in the growth of Philadelphia and the success of the American Revolution here and abroad. This is the first full scale biography on Franklin that I’ve read. I found myself amazed on his role. I think other Founding Fathers, such as, Washington, Adams, Jeffferson, Madison, etc., have gotten more attention. Franklin deserves as much.

[David Bradshaw]

his fame as a common man/scientist gave him entry into a wider world - & this shaped our nation's beginning

honored for his contributions in the study & practical applications of electricity by Royal Society in UK and France - his connections and friendships help form an alliance with France

failures of imagination made England's rulers blind to the catastrophe unfolding from a short-sighted attempt to tax Americans for their defense on the frontiers - when war with France had been worldwide. Hutchinson letters and attacks of Franklin's character made compromise impossible.
Within a short-time, the UK offered all that was asked by the colonies but war substituted for diplomacy. 'In times of crisis, as all men have found, from Trotsky downward, the first mistake is to absent oneself.' forcing Franklin to remove was the worst action of UK ruling party.
obloquy & guilt to Lord North's govt. believing govt. had paid for settlement

[Vincent Hernot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Between 3 and 4, probably closer to 4. But then again, some obvious padding in this, and some strange accelerations of time and then slowing down again, as if the author thought one period more interesting than another. That might be the case (of probably the case), but sometimes you feel like you're reading Franklin's autobiography, which is even more full of holes. I end up knowing both more and less than I would have liked - strange, isn't it?

[Julie & · Rating 4 out of 5]

an interesting book to read after reading Ben's Autobiography - esp the 2nd half of the book, about the revolutionary war, and spy rings and intrigue.

[Jamiller24 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brings Benjamin Franklin to life. Without him we might not have had our democracy and freedom from the British!

[Carter Hydrick · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read about a truly fascinating and world-changing historical figure--in so many ways. Some of the writing and conclusions/assumptions seemed disconnected, but the reveal of how much Franklin changed our world is impressive.

[Terri Weitze · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good resource on the life of Benjamin Franklin.