The Printer and the Preacher: Ben Franklin, George Whitefield, and the Surprising Friendship that Invented America

by Randy Petersen

They were the most famous men in America. They came from separate countries, followed different philosophies, and led dissimilar lives. But they were fast friends. No two people did more to shape America in the mid-1700s. Benjamin Franklin was the American hard-working, inventive, practical, funny, with humble manners and lofty dreams. George Whitefield was the most popular preacher in an era of great piety, whose outdoor preaching across the colonies was heard by thousands, all of whom were told, “You must be born again.” People became excited about God. They began reading the Bible and supporting charities. When Whitefield died in 1770, on a preaching tour in New Hampshire, he had built a spiritual foundation for a new nation—just as his surviving friend, Ben Franklin, had built its social foundation. Together these two men helped establish a new nation founded on liberty. This is the story of their amazing friendship.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Christian, American History, Church History, Religion

320 pages, Hardcover

First published June 9, 2015

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Franklin was a newspaperman and Whitefield was news.” John R. Williams

A remarkable study of the two men who most shaped the personality of American before the Revolution. Today one is a cultural icon, the other unknown; then Whitefield was better known than Franklin.

“Not only a sense of charity, but of empowerment.”

Sympathetic descriptions of the motives, actions and goals of all parties. He is especially positive to both explicate and reconcile the differences between Franklin and Whitefield. Both wanted the best for their fellow man, even though each had his own motives. The reader may feel Peterson occasionally protests too much, but none can deny that these men knew and liked one another despite how contrary to their stereotypes such admiration might seem.

“I silently resolved [Whitefield] should get nothing from me. As he proceeded I began to soften, and concluded to give the coppers. Another stroke of his oratory made ashamed of that, and determined me to give the silver; and he finished so admirably, that I emptied my pocket wholly into the collector’s dish, gold and all.” Franklin

Excellent use of primary sources, made easier because both Franklin and Whitefield lifelong journalists. Worth reading.

“I have endeavored to let my gentleness be known amongst them, because they consist of different nations and opinions, and I have striven to draw them by the cords of love, because the obedience resulting from that principle I take to be most genuine and lasting.” Whitefield

Anyone knowing anything about Whitefield knows he was the primary evangelist of his day. His relationship with Methodism’ Wesley brothers is slightly less well known. But his care and sympathy for Franklin’s religious struggles seems contrary to the stereotype of each. That Franklin was a theist and not a deist is perhaps a strange assertion, but one supported by Franklin’s own words.

“That Being who gave me existence, and through almost threescore years has been continually showering his favours to me, can I doubt that he loves me? And if he loves me, can I doubt that he will go on to take care of me not only here but hereafter? This to some may seem presumption; to me it appears the best grounded hope; hope of the future; built on experience of the past.” Franklin, 1763.

Business brought them together; mutual admiration keep them in contact. Manly affection bound them for three decades.

“I knew him [Whitefield] intimately upwards of 30 years: His integrity, disinterestedness, and indefatigable zeal in prosecuting every good work, I have never seen equaled, I shall never see exceeded.” Franklin

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting and insightful look into the unlikely relationship between two key figures: one, a printer, politician, and inventor; the other, a preacher, evangelist, and philanthropist. One was a settled deist; the other a devout Christian. But despite their differences, these two men found ways not only to "deal" with each other, but to actually develop a friendship that spanned three decades, and which forever shaped a country.

[Amanda Geaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook Edition

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Besides a lot of speculation about events in Franklin's and Whitefield's lives and relationship, Petersen makes a good case for his suggestion that these two men together are responsible for the architecture of American life, culture and spirituality. It is an easy and enjoyable read, and full of great historical information to help initiate the reader to the 18th century context in which these influential men made their contributions.

[Nick Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. I highly recommend it.

[Bob Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review is fairly critical of Peterson's book. However, let me state at the beginning, that I enjoyed the book a lot, even with all the things that I find wrong with it. If I ignore the fact that I think Peterson failed to demonstrate his premise that a friendship between Franklin and Whitefield "invented America", he does a good job of showing how these two men exerted a powerful influence on the unique character of the emerging American nation. Many of these character traits have continued into the 21st century. They may well have been the most influential pre-Revolutionary War figures in this young, not-yet country. So, read the book for this perspective.

The best part of the book is the final chapter, "Special Effects". With a little background information on both Franklin and Whitefield, this chapter could have been published as an article. In this chapter, Peterson talks about how each influenced and affected the other. He also summarizes the many ways that each man impacted the forming character of the new nation. As Peterson says in this chapter, "We are George and Ben."

The timelines that Peterson included at the end of the book are also helpful. He includes 3 timelines: "Before They Met", "George Whitefield's Amazing American Tour" (1739-41), and "Encounters" listing the known and possible meetings and correspondence of George and Ben.

Peterson's premise, that the friendship between Franklin and Whitefield invented America, is quite bold … and, frankly, I think he failed to prove it. First, I wonder how much of a friendship there really was. It seems, from Peterson's book, that the two men were certainly acquaintances and business partners. This was, as Peterson points out in the final chapter, a long-lasting relationship. However, I don't think the book supports the kind of deep friendship that the subtitle postulates. For example, at one point, Peterson mentions that both Whitefield and Franklin were in England at the same time, but over a period of 6 years, they never once saw each other or talked to each other or wrote to each other or even acknowledged in their respective memoirs that the other was close. In other places, Peterson uses speculation to bolster his claim of an "inventing friendship" and even about other events or relationships. I'm not a fan of biographies that make excessive use of speculation and this is one (speculative biographies).

Second, both men embodied the unique characteristics of this country-in-the-making — independence, egalitarianism, a fervor for making the budding nation the best it could be, pulling oneself up by one's bootstraps. Each, on his own, was one of the most powerful of positive influences among the colonies as the colonies sometimes inched and sometimes hurtled toward independence. However, to say that their friendship invented America is, at best, speculation. Franklin and Whitefield were certainly good for each other — they challenged, supported, and, in their own ways, promoted each other. They were good for the emerging country as they sought to make America a good nation. It's just that their friendship didn't do that.

There are some odd mistakes in the book that an editor should have caught. These are two examples: "1962 saw the start of the Salem witch trials" (that should be 1692); "[Franklin] had established a newspaper as…a 'fifth estate'…" (the mainstream press is generally considered to be the' fourth estate').

Finally, Peterson's writing style sometimes becomes extremely informal in ways that are normal for oral communication but feel out of place for a biography. For example, "This was not a marketing gimmick. Well, it was, but he was backing up the image…" and "If you view advertising as proud and/or deceptive, you’ll have a problem with this…"

If you, like me, enjoy reading about the formation of the American republic, then this is a good gook to read.

(DISCLAIMER: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher as a review copy as a part of their BookLook Bloggers programme. As a participant in this programme, I am free to write the review I think the book deserves and receive no compensation other than continued participation in the programme — I don't even get a kickback if you click on the book title, go to Amazon, and buy the book.)

[Dan Mingo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I put this book down a while back and finally picked it up again to finish. A very insightful book on how Whitfield influenced Franklin and how Franklin influenced Whitfield. The reality is they both had a huge impact on this country that we should be thankful for.

[Jimmy Reagan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Here is the merging of two categories of reading that, if you are like me, you enjoy–Christian biography and Colonial America. You get in this volume two prominent characters in those categories–George Whitefield and Ben Franklin. It is a pleasing, somewhat stretched, and breezy read.

His premise that the friendship of these two men “invented” America failed, but the book did not. These two men made distinct contributions to what became America, and they even had some sort of friendship, but the friendship itself had nothing to with anything in forging of our nation. In fact, the friendship was much ado about nothing as he failed to uncover just how deep the friendship was. I suspect it was not that deep and we will never know for sure beyond that.

Why I will still recommend the book is that these two men with their different lives did have such an impact. The similarities and differences in the two men are fascinating and how people took to them is something Petersen did capture. He succeeded in bringing Franklin alive more than he did Whitefield in my opinion. Part of the reason, I imagine, is that he too followed the oft-discredited study of Harry Stout.

Still, with the above caveats in mind, it remains enjoyable reading.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

Summary: Recounts the story of the unlikely friendship of George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin.

The printer and the preacher. They were the most unlikely friends. One was an Oxford educated Englishman, thoroughly convinced of the gospel of Christ which he preached, and a man of utter rectitude in his marriage and dealings. The other was a Boston-born grammar school dropout, a deist who expounded a gospel of self help, an industrious printer and civic leader in Philadelphia, and not above sexual flirtation and affairs. George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin.

Randy Peterson offers a fascinating account of how these disparate figures became friends, a relationship that lasted until 1770 when Whitefield, the younger man, died. Petersen also sketches the lives and impact of these two important figures in early American history. It all began in 1739 when Whitefield established a business relationship with Franklin as the printer of his sermons. This was a huge success for both men, multiplying Whitefield’s influence, already widespread, and profiting Franklin’s printing business. Franklin used his newspaper to report Whitefield’s preaching engagements (as well as his critics).

Over the years, the two became friends, with Whitefield a regular guest in Franklin’s home whenever passing through Philadelphia. Naturally, Whitefield, the evangelist, tried to convert Franklin, who believed in God, but did not believe Jesus to be God but merely a good teacher. But why did Franklin not only tolerate these efforts but regard Whitefield so highly. Among the reasons, was Whitefield’s eloquence and powerful preaching and its impact. This was because Franklin cared deeply about the civic growth of Philadelphia and the colonies, and the transformed lives of converts contributed to the improvement of morals and the advance of the common good. Not only that, Franklin admired Whitefield’s work in founding and supporting an orphanage in Georgia. And he showed concern for Whitefield’s health, weakened by his tireless preaching.

Petersen argues in this book that not only was their friendship mutually beneficial, it was important to America’s beginnings. Printing was the basis of Franklin’s influence, prospered early on by Whitefield’s sermons. Through printing, Franklin established a communications network, connecting the colonies. Whitefield’s preaching throughout the colonies, amplified by Franklin’s efforts, connected the colonies spiritually. In addition, Whitefield operated outside hierarchies and across denominations, a kind of revolution of the spirit that preceded political revolution.

And there is one more important consequence of their friendship identified by Petersen. They modeled religious freedom in their friendship. Franklin deeply respected and advanced Whitefield’s efforts, while never embracing Whitefield’s faith. And Whitefield remained a fast friend of Franklin, respecting his life and benefiting from his civic vision.

Petersen doesn’t offer the definitive biography of either man but probes deeply into this important friendship. And in this, he probes the wonderful opportunity of what can happen when differing parties keep talking and listening in mutual respect, recognizing common interests and respecting differences without requiring compromise. Might they serve as a model for our own day?

[Kristi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Peterson traces the relationship between Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield to argue that these two men are responsible for shaping American society in the eighteenth century. In Peterson's view, Franklin combined astute capitalism with civic-mindedness, leading him to found institutions, such as libraries and firefighting, to benefit the common good. Meanwhile, the younger Whitfield, as a celebrity of the first Great Awakening, endeavored to convert Americans through emotional, evangelical religious revivals that challenged the ordered authority of the established church, equalizing converts and breaking down denomination boundaries. The two men met through Franklin's printing business, which published Whitfield.

Franklin and Whitfield were undoubtedly influential figures of the 18th century, who made lasting contributions on American society. Peterson premises an intriguing argument that each wielded great social influence which shaped American culture. Yet, the text is unsuccessful in making a cohesive case that their friendship under-grid either revolutionary thought or the founding of the nation. Peterson's approach and writing style is casual, making this history easily accessible to a variety of audiences. However, his historical analysis is often overly speculative, and the subjects and arguments tend to be superficially grounded. Peterson seems to want to argue that the relationship between the two men transformed from that of business acquaintances, to a distant friendship, ending in something like "family." The latter conclusion seems exaggerated and not sufficiently based in evidence. On the whole, the relationship between Franklin and Whitfield is not clearly articulated and often confused. Occasionally, the author's own Methodist faith influences his assessments of his subjects, to support his contention that Whitfield and Franklin founded a nation based in independent Christian values and civic-minded skepticism, respectively.

It is not the argument that is false, but the execution that is flawed. The reader isn't given enough context into the 18th century culture of printing, the status of religious literature, the nature of eighteenth century colonial American communities and the organization of society therein, to adequately assess the interconnected influences of these two men. How did Franklin's civic-mindedness and Whitefield's religious revivals fundamentally change colonial society and inspire revolution? Furthermore, why was their friendship essentially important to their influence? These questions which the book attempts to answer are left unsatisfied. The broad oversimplifications made in the text tend rather toward myth-making and the creation of populist heroes than to a contextualized understanding of how the relationship between these two men influenced the founding of the American nation or an American cultural identity.

[Chad Oberholtzer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield were two of the most influential voices throughout mid-18th century American history. That fact is undisputed, and “The Printer and the Preacher” is at its best when it is describing their respective contributions to the founding of the fabric of colonial life, culture, and thought. I learned much about each of these key leaders and now more fully appreciate the breadth and depth of their unique impact of this fledgling nation in its formative years.

Having acknowledged that the content wasn’t a complete loss to me, I was generally disappointed with my experience reading this book. For starters, I found the author’s spastic and non-linear approach to the historical timeline to be deeply distracting. I realize that it’s become a clever storytelling technique to relate events out of sequence, but the approach in this case felt counterproductive. I spent far too much energy trying to figure out what part of the life of the subjects was being discussed at any given time, since everything was seemingly out of order, without rhyme or reason.

Beyond this structural quibble, my greatest frustration with this book is its forced development of a relationship between Franklin and Whitefield about which the historical record is clearly very thin. Yes, Franklin and Whitefield knew each other and interacted as collaborators and even friends. But I have never before read a historical book which swam so soggily in the waters of pure speculation. There was an entire section of the book which relayed, in some imaginative detail, the topics that they might have discussed when they spent time together. They might also have baked cheesecakes or played lacrosse together, but I was left scratching my head as the author guessed about whether they may or may not have crossed paths during a particular six-year window when primary sources have no record of their interaction. They might have had dinner here. They might have talked about this topic there. It was far too much imaginative guesswork and far too little substance.

I have no problem with historical fiction because good historical fiction knows what it is and what it is not. But this bizarre book presents itself as a work of history while bouncing between conversations which may have happened and meetings which may have occurred. Ultimately, I think that this book is primarily guilty of trying to stretch a book’s worth of narrative out of an article’s worth of reality. Franklin and Whitefield are surely worthy of ongoing historical analysis, but I remain unconvinced that their relationship was meaningful enough to either of them to justify this booklength treatment. For those interested in learning more about these important figures in American history, I would recommend that you look elsewhere.

[Paige Gordon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book offered a fascinating look at the friendship between two highly influential men in America's history. It was really cool to learn more about each of these great men and the role they played in helping prepare America for the challenges of the Revolution and the founding of the country as we know it. Very interesting history that is well written and easy to ready.

Favorite Quote: "Character was the key issue for both George and Ben. Qualities such as diligence, discipline, trustworthiness, and humility were upheld in George's sermons and in Ben's more secular writings. Perhaps the religious and non-religious of today can find common cause in promoting such character qualities."

[Carl Palmateer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting always a few new things to learn. I never knew Ben Franklin was a friend of Cotton Mather, not of great import for the book but it does broaden the background of Ben. A tale of the two and their acquaintance, partnership and eventual friendship while weaving in and out of colonial America. We forget Ben's earlier days and the influence of a preacher on the forming of the national character is something swept past by the tide. How the two worked together and what they wrought is a fascinating story. I'm sure there is much more that could be said but this is an accessible book, well sourced without the baggage of a scholarly tome.

[Tim Franks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would probably rate this book a 3.5. I am really intrigued by reading about the relationship of these two great men that were a part of founding our country. I never realized the deep impact they made on each other, nor the true friendship they shared. Really appreciated the honesty and depth they shared together. It was also encouraging and challenging how George continued to share the Gospel and about Jesus with Benjamin often. The reason for the less rating is the style of writing was a little rough and disjointed at times. I also thought he threw far too many of his own opinions throughout and didn't back them up very well. Overall, worth the read and enjoyed learning about their friendship

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This well-researched book is a look at the friendship between Benjamin Franklin and George Whitefield, who was responsible for the first great evangelical awakening in the United States. The subtitle is a reach--their friendship certainly did not "invent" America. It did however bring many differing Christian sects together in a more ecumenical form than they had been. The warm relationship between Franklin and Whitfield is interesting too in that Franklin never believed in the divinity of Jesus, but thought those that did were likely to be better citizens. It is a good example for people today who seem to be less inclined to reach across the aisle.

[Jonathan Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book and its unknown cross section of American and religious history. While Franklin and Whitefield were friends, it is not as if they were inseparable or that one's story could not be told without the other. It is more about how there parallel (and occasionally intersecting) lives helped to shape the nation we know today. The book is basically written as two biographical strands that end up braided together. It was like a historical crossover that I didn't know or even know I wanted, but I'm glad I watched it!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, it is true, as others have noted--there's quite a lot of speculation and imagination involved in filling in gaps in what we can document about the relationship between Whitefield and Franklin. The author, though, seems to mark these spots out appropriately as such. I found the latter chapters more engaging that the earlier ones. There the author did a fine job of showing how both men, and especially the men together, shaped America as we know it today. I found it an enjoyable, thought-provoking read.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great look at two of the most influential men of the colonial age of America. The interaction between these two great men is fascinating and sheds light on the importance of each of them in the forming of the United States. Both genius in their own way, their contributions are difficult to exaggerate. Well worth the time. Highly recommend.

[Lee Button · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-crafted stories of Whitefield and Franklin weaved together. Petersen shows the depth of their friendship and the impact each had on the founding of America. Theirs was an unlikely union because of their common principles. Glad I read this one.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Forefathers

Enlightening with regard to the relationship of the two principle forefathers on the American experiment. I am deeply impressed with the work of Whitfield and the relationship that he shared with Franklin. A very good read. Highly recommend.

[Jim Rickard · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an eye opener

I never heard of the relationship these two had. I loved what they had in common and even when they disagreed they showed respect and a loved for each oither. I loved their common goal. You will read about it.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected to like this book more than I did. It wasn't the content - I found that very interesting - but more the writing style which, for me, didn't flow. I think that's why it took me so long to finish it. Almost gace it 3 stars but just couldn't quite.

[Pat Shaughnessy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Influencers of USAs Founding

Filled with interesting anecdotes, a measure of conjecture, and backstories of both Franklin and Whitefield, this is a read that provides expanded understanding of two men who shaped the American experience running up to our founding as a nation.

[Brent Lenentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read on the lives of Ben Franklin and George Whitfield

I have long appreciated lives of these two men. It was good to read how their lives intersected and complemented each other other.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm grateful Petersen linked the lives of these two men together for us and I certainly gained insights into each one, especially the spiritual growth and journey of each. The pacing dragged a bit and parts were repetitive. Still glad I read it!

[Rebecca McDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two men from different countries, different political & religious beliefs, yet they forge a lifelong friendship. Amazing how their lives intertwined & the impact both men had on our country. A good book to read.

[Michele Morin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s a delightful alchemy that takes geography and the events of historical context, and then blends in the like-mindedness and the variations of two distinct personalities. Common enough, this is the science of friendship that is traced and recorded by Randy Petersen in The Printer and the Preacher because, every once in a while, the melding of a friendship has historical impact, a synergy that is greater than the sum of its participants. Such was the case with George Whitefield and Benjamin Franklin, youngest sons of two average, middle class families born nine years apart on opposite sides of the Atlantic Ocean. What were the odds that they would ever have met? Even so, the crossing of their paths in 1739, with both men’s careers on an upward trajectory, contributed to each man’s individual success story and, Petersen argues effectively, to the shaping of a uniquely American personality and set of values.

So Much Alike . . .

Ben and George were both born to be heard, George with his booming, baritone voice, and Ben with his pen. If each were alive today, I feel certain that Ben would be writing a successful and widely read blog, and George would be a steady presence on YouTube. The men shared an iconoclastic disregard for organized religion and spurned the existing class-consciousness of 18th century England and America. Both became celebrities in their own circles in spite of very humble and ordinary beginnings. Oddly, both George and Ben were given to “trying on” identities, either to accomplish a purpose (Silence Dogood and her letters to the editor) or to settle their minds on the matter of who they really were. They had a tendency to control their own circle of community by joining or creating groups to ward off loneliness, and both made very pragmatic and, by today’s standards, very unromantic marriages.

. . . and Yet So Different

In spite of George’s usually subtle but occasionally overt evangelistic efforts, Ben Franklin held firm to a theology that made no room for biblical conversion or for God the Son. “The fanatic and the skeptic” found their common ground on opposite sides of the publicity blow-gun: “Franklin was a newspaper man and Whitefield was news.” Franklin, ever the student, was an inventor and an analyst in science, in public policy, and in his community. He was a word-smith. George Whitefield, on the other hand, was all about the delivery of a simple salvation message and was frequently criticized for the careless scholarship behind his sermons.

Historical Context

As fascinating as the individual lives of the printer and the preacher are, Randy Petersen’s work of re-assembling the backdrop of the stage on which these two 18th-century celebrities performed is, in my opinion, the most compelling feature of this book. He demonstrates with rich and colorful detail how music, theatre, education, and the cultural mores of Ben and George’s era were impacted by the gravitational pull of religious and theological trends that were elbowing their way to prominence. He lists and thumbnails books that influenced the prevailing culture and shares juicy details about the faith and foibles of Ben and George’s prominent contemporaries such as the Wesley boys and Jonathan Edwards.

A Twenty-Year Collaboration

By printing George Whitefield’s sermons and publicizing his speaking schedule in his newspaper, Ben Franklin promoted George in his role as the driving force behind America’s Great Awakening. Since Whitefield was a colorful and flamboyant character with a powerful message, Ben Franklin made a substantial living from printing religious materials and was, therefore, in a financial position to be influential in colonial society and to retire from printing with sufficient funds to pursue his interests in science and public service.

Petersen offers three time-line style appendices that provide a concise record of his subjects’ travels, their accomplishments, and their infrequent face-to-face encounters. He has served up a treat to delight the history buff, the theology geek, and the lover of biographies. Then, for our soul’s sake, we see, lived out in two well-documented lives, the wisdom of hard work and good decisions and the hollow emptiness of a life devoted to self-interest apart from a lively faith. One is lured into Solomonic musings about irony with the endings of George’s and Ben’s lives, for the godly preacher dies young and sickly while the skeptical skirt chaser lives on into old age and wider influence. Benjamin Franklin may have summed this up with one of his pithy statements: “In this world, nothing can be said to be certain except death and taxes,” but Whitefield knew a better proverb: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding,” Proverbs 9:10.


This book was provided by Thomas Nelson through BookLookBloggers in exchange for my review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

[Steven Northover · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fun to read. I have tried other books about Franklin. I wish I had started with this one. Now that I have completed it I will move on to other authors.

[Christopher Archibald · Rating 4 out of 5]

I keep saying I’m not one for history and somehow I keep gravitating toward this specific genre. The nondenominational evangelist and the nondenominational Renaissance man somehow cultivate a mutually-beneficial business relationship that blossoms into a mutually-enriching friendship.

[Art · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing revelation of a Printer and Preacher.
Ben Franklin and George Whitefield.
Relationships.
Growth.