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Benjamin Franklin: The Man Who Dared the Lightning
For many people, Benjamin Franklin remains a puzzling figure in American history. This book tells Franklin's absorbing life story. In lively and informal style, Thomas Fleming presents a well-rounded account of probably the most versatile and accomplished man of his time-his boyhood in Boston . . . his career as a newspaperman and writer . . . his scientific pursuits and inventions . . . his years as statesman and diplomat . . . through his still productive old age until his death at 84. In Benjamin Franklin, Fleming not only gives a perceptive portrait of an extraordinary man, but he provides a rare glimpse into the forces that shaped the birth of a new nation.
665 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2005
143 people are currently reading
380 people want to read
About the author
Thomas Fleming
127 books149 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Thomas James Fleming was an historian and historical novelist, with a special interest in the American Revolution. He was born in 1927 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of a World War I hero who was a leader in Jersey City politics for three decades. Before her marriage, his mother, Katherine Dolan Fleming, was a teacher in the Jersey City Public School System.
After graduating from St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, Fleming spent a year in the United States Navy. He received a Bachelor's degree, with honors, from Fordham University in 1950. After brief stints as a newspaperman and magazine editor, he became a full-time writer in 1960. His first history book, Now We Are Enemies, an account of the Battle of Bunker Hill, was published that same year. It was a best-seller, reviewed in more than 75 newspapers and featured as a main selection of the Literary Guild.
Fleming published books about various events and figures of the Revolutionary era. He also wrote about other periods of American history and wrote over a dozen well-received novels set against various historical backgrounds. He said, "I never wanted to be an Irish American writer, my whole idea was to get across that bridge and be an American writer".
Fleming died at his home in New York City on July 23, 2017, at the age of 90.
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
Thomas James Fleming was an historian and historical novelist, with a special interest in the American Revolution. He was born in 1927 in Jersey City, New Jersey, the son of a World War I hero who was a leader in Jersey City politics for three decades. Before her marriage, his mother, Katherine Dolan Fleming, was a teacher in the Jersey City Public School System.
After graduating from St. Peter's Preparatory School in Jersey City, Fleming spent a year in the United States Navy. He received a Bachelor's degree, with honors, from Fordham University in 1950. After brief stints as a newspaperman and magazine editor, he became a full-time writer in 1960. His first history book, Now We Are Enemies, an account of the Battle of Bunker Hill, was published that same year. It was a best-seller, reviewed in more than 75 newspapers and featured as a main selection of the Literary Guild.
Fleming published books about various events and figures of the Revolutionary era. He also wrote about other periods of American history and wrote over a dozen well-received novels set against various historical backgrounds. He said, "I never wanted to be an Irish American writer, my whole idea was to get across that bridge and be an American writer".
Fleming died at his home in New York City on July 23, 2017, at the age of 90.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 15, 2014
I would rate this 5-stars, but the "Kindle-ization" was so bad that I had to take off a star. (Some sentences were simply unintelligible because of a goofed-up word or two. Quotation marks were missing around quotes; punctuation was occasionally quite remarkably odd.) That said...
I have a whole new appreciation for Benjamin Franklin. This really takes up where his "Autobiography" leaves off. Fleming takes you to England and France to see all that Franklin did as the ambassador of, first, reconciliation, then independence, for the American colonies. Loved or hated by his fellow Americans, depending on who was talking about him, he put his all on the line for his country. Most heart-breaking was his estrangement from his son, William, and the rift between himself and his grandson. Subtle and sophisticated, he was misunderstood even by many of his fellow "founding fathers." Franklin was a complex, witty, clever, multi-faceted man, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.
I have a whole new appreciation for Benjamin Franklin. This really takes up where his "Autobiography" leaves off. Fleming takes you to England and France to see all that Franklin did as the ambassador of, first, reconciliation, then independence, for the American colonies. Loved or hated by his fellow Americans, depending on who was talking about him, he put his all on the line for his country. Most heart-breaking was his estrangement from his son, William, and the rift between himself and his grandson. Subtle and sophisticated, he was misunderstood even by many of his fellow "founding fathers." Franklin was a complex, witty, clever, multi-faceted man, to whom we owe a debt of gratitude.
March 6, 2012
This is an older book that I picked up several years ago at a library book sale. Thomas Fleming is a very good writer. The book was amazing.
I am not a big fan of US history. But this held my interest all the way.
Benjamin Franklin was responsible for so much of our founding principles. It was a revelation. Also I was struck by the political scene that Mr. Fleming described. The problems with debt, war, and the petty politics that effected our Revolutionary War and Independence. Not so much has changed.
Plan on looking for more of Thomas Fleming's books. He has been very prolific and in fact has recently published. The research that has gone into his writing career boggles the mind.
I am not a big fan of US history. But this held my interest all the way.
Benjamin Franklin was responsible for so much of our founding principles. It was a revelation. Also I was struck by the political scene that Mr. Fleming described. The problems with debt, war, and the petty politics that effected our Revolutionary War and Independence. Not so much has changed.
Plan on looking for more of Thomas Fleming's books. He has been very prolific and in fact has recently published. The research that has gone into his writing career boggles the mind.
September 26, 2018
For the first time I have a true understanding of the passion behind the American Revolution. Fleming organized the book in such a methodical way that the history truly , "comes alive" . As you read, you feel the building tension and personal turmoil that turned simple merchants, farmers, and tradesmen into Revolutionaries. This is a thoroughly satisfying read.
October 20, 2019
The story of Franklin from the kite experiment through the revolution and up to his death. There's lots of great information and insight on this larger than life figure. While the book was entertaining and informative there were some things about Fleming's style that I didn't personally like.
November 15, 2017
Like like
It was an enjoyable climpse into one our Founder's life. A little dry at time, but it kept my attention from cover to cover
It was an enjoyable climpse into one our Founder's life. A little dry at time, but it kept my attention from cover to cover
January 28, 2019
I knew Franklin was very active in the young nation's interest abroad, but I never realized just how instrumental he really was. Thank God for Benjamin Franklin.
September 24, 2022
Well written biography
December 12, 2022
Learned so much about England and France and our revolutionary war. Enjoyed this book
December 1, 2013
Every once in a while, I read a book that brings intense sorrow at it's ending *because* it has ended. This is one such book. I have always respected the historical figure of Benjamin Franklin and the accomplishments about which I knew only a smattering. This book delves much more deeply into the character, the relationships and his incredibly crucial role navigating a very complicated political time. The energy and wisdom with which he applied himself to those tasks that came his way as well the as exposing of the personal sacrifices that he made in order to support the greater good for all people in our United States and elsewhere framed the reality of how incredibly fortunate our nation was to have this man arrive at the time that he did to help guide us through. He was a true revolutionary. I am especially impressed related to his involvement a movement to abolish slavery: ..."January 17, 2006 marks the 300th anniversary of Benjamin Franklin's birth (January 17, 1706-April 17, 1790). During his life, Franklin had many careers including service as a diplomat, a printer, a writer, an inventor, a scientist, a lawmaker, and a postmaster, among others. In his later years he became vocal as an abolitionist and in 1787 began to serve as President of the Pennsylvania Society for Promoting the Abolition of Slavery. The Society was originally formed April 14, 1775, in Philadelphia, as The Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage; it was reorganized in 1784 and again in 1787, and then incorporated by the state of Pennsylvania in 1789. The Society not only advocated the abolition of slavery, but made efforts to integrate freed slaves into American society."
The story is very well-written bringing the person of Franklin as well as his contemporaries into reality, with feeling, often quoting their own communications in their letters and papers. Benjamin Franklin, a complex and fascinating person... what an incredible heritage he has left each and everyone of us.
See: http://www.archives.gov/legislative/f...
The story is very well-written bringing the person of Franklin as well as his contemporaries into reality, with feeling, often quoting their own communications in their letters and papers. Benjamin Franklin, a complex and fascinating person... what an incredible heritage he has left each and everyone of us.
See: http://www.archives.gov/legislative/f...
February 11, 2017
An invaluable book if you care to learn about one of the most prominent Americans pre-United States! There is much detail regarding his many years in England (pre-Revolutionary war) and France (during Revolutionary War).
Great history coupled with the sadness of his split from his loyalist son and his much too busy political life make this a must read!
Only 4 stars as I would have liked to have read more of his life as a younger man, unless such information doesn't exist?
Great history coupled with the sadness of his split from his loyalist son and his much too busy political life make this a must read!
Only 4 stars as I would have liked to have read more of his life as a younger man, unless such information doesn't exist?
August 18, 2016
what a life! How can one life be so ful of action and effect! How a clever man, from modest origin, was able to manage and maniplauet kings and diplomats is amazing and a great inspiration. The story of his personal and family related pains and joys also reminds me that no one is spared from sorrow.
The book provides a perspective on the genesis of the USA and although some chapters are tedious with reference on the manipulations of lesser men, and you canskip these chapters without losing the thread, the overall story is strong and cohesive. After reading the book you can only feel deep sympathy for the man and for the spirit and deep beliefs he stood for.
The book provides a perspective on the genesis of the USA and although some chapters are tedious with reference on the manipulations of lesser men, and you canskip these chapters without losing the thread, the overall story is strong and cohesive. After reading the book you can only feel deep sympathy for the man and for the spirit and deep beliefs he stood for.
November 5, 2014
An older history book,totally ignoring current standards of Political Correctness, so there is some stuff in here that progressive liberals will find offensive. I found 'em funny. As one friend of mine says "those who are easily offended, will be often offended". The broader historical perspective prior to about 1773 is noticably sloppy, but vastly improves with the immediate pre-RevWar period, and continues to the end. The liberal use of BF's own writings really makes this book a joy to read, so I can make recommendations to a couple of friends to read this book.
May 18, 2015
Flawed editing
The subject of this book is very attractive and the era the author describes is fascinating. However the flow of reading was frequently interrupted by flawed grammar, misuse or lack of punctuation, or misused words. It was a daunting effort to get through this book. However with some basic editing this book would have been a good resource and an enjoyable time. In future the author would do his readers a favor by having his writing thoroughly edited before publication.
The subject of this book is very attractive and the era the author describes is fascinating. However the flow of reading was frequently interrupted by flawed grammar, misuse or lack of punctuation, or misused words. It was a daunting effort to get through this book. However with some basic editing this book would have been a good resource and an enjoyable time. In future the author would do his readers a favor by having his writing thoroughly edited before publication.
August 31, 2016
Not all that interesting until the time immediately proceeding the American revolution. Then, no doubt without his contribution soliciting the help of the French government, the revolution would have been lost and history would have been drastically altered. Franklin is on par with Washington and Jefferson as a founding father. Too bad our school teachers focus on the whole kite flying nonsense. Make no mistake, without his efforts, there would be no United States of America.
February 20, 2016
I am learning a lot about the pre-revolution time period. The author makes it interesting. I have bought this book (Kindle) and go back to it in between other books that I borrow from the library. It's always there waiting for me.
Now it's February and I have stopped reading this book. I may finish it someday, but right now I have other books that are more interesting to me.
Now it's February and I have stopped reading this book. I may finish it someday, but right now I have other books that are more interesting to me.
July 31, 2016
Incredibly inspiring
Ben Franklin understood the American spirit. Independence demands freedom and Freedom is never safe. Franklin chose character over expedient solutions. He believed that ethical considerations weren't just "the right thing to do" being politely added to the realistic factors. Franklin knew that equitable freedom requires ethical administration.
Ben Franklin understood the American spirit. Independence demands freedom and Freedom is never safe. Franklin chose character over expedient solutions. He believed that ethical considerations weren't just "the right thing to do" being politely added to the realistic factors. Franklin knew that equitable freedom requires ethical administration.
January 16, 2012
Kindle freebie.
A rather interesting overview of Franklin's time in Paris during the Revolution. There is some aspects that are left out. Franklin's bad press gets left back, but still an intersting read.
A rather interesting overview of Franklin's time in Paris during the Revolution. There is some aspects that are left out. Franklin's bad press gets left back, but still an intersting read.
February 26, 2012
This is one of the New Word City shorts offered free on Kindle for a day. Each book is a short biographical profile or historical event. I learn something from each one.
February 28, 2012
I'm glad this was a freebie because it turned out to be rather boring. I expected a little more about one of America's greatest sons.
July 26, 2012
Really short account of some of Franklin's habits in Paris; contained some interesting facts and anecdotes.
September 7, 2014
Very informative book about Franklin and the politics behind the scenes in the years leading up to and during the American Revolution and insight into some of our Founding Fathers.
August 12, 2014
Great book. Insight on personal relationships. Many historical facts already known, and quite a few needed reminding.
December 19, 2014
Interesting book.
July 3, 2016
Very good book. The illustrations helped a lot getting the images right. I learned a lout about Franklin, surprisingly, and enjoyed the book immensely. Highly recommended.
July 13, 2016
Praise to the Author
Pleased am I to know the true meaning of Franklin's life, goals, and ultimate place in our history, way beyond an electricity association.
Pleased am I to know the true meaning of Franklin's life, goals, and ultimate place in our history, way beyond an electricity association.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews