The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, The World's Most Versatile Genius

by Mark Skousen

"I have sometimes almost wished it had been my destiny to have been born two or three centuries hence." -- Ben Franklin
Was Benjamin Franklin an indispensable public servant or a cunning chameleon? A hard-headed entrepreneur or an opportunistic privateer? A devoted family man or a notorious womanizer? A scientist and inventor or a hoaxer and self promoter? A believer or a heretic? The first civilized American or the most dangerous man in America?

Read this book, and you decide!

In The Greatest American, Dr. Mark Skousen--"America's Economist" and a direct descendant of the old man--reveals many new features and little-known facts about Ben Franklin, such as:
- The surprising benefits of inflation to pay for the American Revolution.
- How the War of Independence transformed him from a religious heretic to a believing theist.
- Why he hated party politics.
- How he changed his mind about slavery and became a devote abolitionist.
- The truth about his love affairs with women. Did he really abandon his wife Deborah, or did she abandon him?
- Why he never applied for any patents for his famous inventions.
- Why George Washington loved Franklin and John Adams despised him.
- Why he turned against his beloved son, William, and never forgave him.
- His preference for private welfare and charities rather than state-run social programs and welfare.

Benjamin Franklin was the oldest of the founding fathers -- he was indeed a whole generation ahead of George Washington, John Adams and Thomas Jefferson -- and yet he was the most forward-looking of the group and the most modern of the founders. The Greatest American shows just how much of an impact Benjamin Franklin had on American politics and daily life.

Genres: History, Biography

320 pages, Hardcover

First published May 27, 2025

About the author

I am a professional economist, financial adviser, university professor, author and producer of FreedomFest, the largest annual gathering of free minds about liberty and freedom in the world. I edit the award-winning financial newsletter, Forecasts & Strategies (www.markskousen.com), and have authored many books on economics, finance, investing and Benjamin Franklin. I have been married to my wife Jo Ann for 35 years, and we have 5 children and 3 terrific grandsons.

Reviews

[London Baker · Rating 3 out of 5]

(3.6/5)
A good account of Ben Franklin’s life, though at times some stories and quotes were repeated.

[Ivy Mumo · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Greatest American: Benjamin Franklin, The World’s Most Versatile Genius by Mark Skousen is an engaging and insightful look into the life of one of history’s most fascinating figures. Skousen brings Benjamin Franklin to life not just as a Founding Father, but as a visionary thinker, entrepreneur, and innovator whose ideas remain strikingly relevant today. The book is well-researched yet highly accessible, blending historical depth with a lively, modern tone. It offers fresh perspectives and lesser-known insights that make Franklin feel both relatable and extraordinary. A compelling and enjoyable read for anyone interested in leadership, history, or personal development.

[Fred Leland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have not seen was a lot on Ben Franklin since middle school. Middle school was a long time ago. When I first saw this book it caught my interest. It was well researched and written. A lot of facts I did not know written in n a lot au that makes you interested and entertained. I like the fact that it discusses Ben Franklins virtues and his vises. An ordinary man who did extraordinary things. A Founding Father who learned and solved problems, his own and most obviously a Country. Great leader and great read.

[Zulima Tristancho · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an engaging and eye-opening look at one of history’s most fascinating figures. Mark Skousen goes beyond the typical biography, revealing lesser-known aspects of Franklin’s life - his contradictions, brilliance, and personal complexities. The book paints him as a true Renaissance man: inventor, diplomat, entrepreneur, and thinker, whose influence helped shape America in profound ways . Insightful, well-researched, and highly readable, this is a must-read for anyone interested in history, leadership, or the mindset of a true innovator.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

The only thing I knew about Franklin was the whole electricity and kite story.

What a great way to breathe life into Benjamin Franklin through his words and views on a variety of issues like finances and investment.

The book is broken down by category so the reader can jump around by subject to absorb all the wisdom.

Will read a few times.

[Maya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed The Greatest American by Mark Skousen. It’s a super interesting take on American history because it focuses on people you don’t usually hear about, but who made a big impact.

The chapters are easy to read and each one makes you think differently about what it means to be “great.” Definitely a good read if you like history but want something a little different!

[Barbara Conradt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Each chapter covers a different part of Franklin’s life and/or persona but becomes repetitive when some of these overlap. The author uses the same quotes about Franklin multiple times and I was left wondering if the author did not recall already citing those quotes.

[Paula · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book taught me a lot that I didn’t know about Ben Franklin but was a bit repetitive. It has inspired me enough to read Ben Franklin’s autobiography one day.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty good. A lot more about financial matters than I expected. Also stories or phases were repeated frequently

[Steve S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great insight on one of America's founding fathers.