Benjamin Franklin

by Thomas Fleming

For many people, Benjamin Franklin remains a puzzling figure in American history. Because he loved laughter and found humour in many situations, some have assumed he was not serious about important thing. Others, dwelling on Poor Richard's famous advice about saving money and succeeding in business tend to forget that Franklin quit making money at 42 to devote his live to science and the service of his country.

This book tells Franklin's absorbing life story. In a lively and informal style, the author presents a well rounded account of probably the most versatile and accomplished man of his time -- his early boyhood in Boston... his career as a newspaperman and writer ... and his years as statesman and diplomat...through his still productive old age until his death at 84.

Hardcover

Published January 1, 1973

About the author

Thomas Fleming is the editor of Chronicles: A Magazine of American Culture and the president of The Rockford Institute in Rockford, Illinois.