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Benjamin Franklin: The American Dream (The True Story of Benjamin Franklin)
Benjamin Franklin was named "The First American". He was a founding father of the United States, revolutionized our understanding of electricity, and personifies American culture throughout the world. Enjoy the surprising and entertaining true story of Benjamin Franklin and rediscover one of history's most prolific figures.
- GenresHistory
167 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2016
585 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 15, 2016
He is not much of a writer or storyteller.
December 11, 2017
Great starting point and serves as good overview of life and achievements
This is a great book for someone looking for a quick and easy read on the life and accomplishments of Ben Franklin. Should keep you interested from start to finish. This will also serve as a great starting point for anyone studying this brilliant man and his many achievements.
This is a great book for someone looking for a quick and easy read on the life and accomplishments of Ben Franklin. Should keep you interested from start to finish. This will also serve as a great starting point for anyone studying this brilliant man and his many achievements.
November 14, 2017
Franklin: A Life of Brilliance provides a very high-level overview of Benjamin Franklin's life. It discusses his family, including the fact that his father had 17 children with his two wives. It briefly discusses Franklin's career as a printer and writer, his political contributions, and his work as an inventor.
The story is simple (and sometimes repetitive), yet it provides the listener major highlights and accomplishments of Franklin's life which could be used as springboards for additional research.
Franklin: A Life of Brilliance is probably best suited for young readers or for those who know nothing about Benjamin Franklin. It is a quick book from which the reader is sure to learn something new.
The story is simple (and sometimes repetitive), yet it provides the listener major highlights and accomplishments of Franklin's life which could be used as springboards for additional research.
Franklin: A Life of Brilliance is probably best suited for young readers or for those who know nothing about Benjamin Franklin. It is a quick book from which the reader is sure to learn something new.
July 28, 2020
Review.
Oh the book was pretty simple. It just gave more of a political background about his life. I still enjoyed it. I knew about him creating lightning rods and such with electricity. But I didn’t know that he created glasses and such to read with and other things that were mentioned. That’s pretty cool.
Oh the book was pretty simple. It just gave more of a political background about his life. I still enjoyed it. I knew about him creating lightning rods and such with electricity. But I didn’t know that he created glasses and such to read with and other things that were mentioned. That’s pretty cool.
December 19, 2017
A real eye opener!
Very inspiring! I particularly like how he used many methods of persuasion (including writing to his own press identifying as a separate alias) to turn the tides of the colonies and England! A good read for smart people!
Very inspiring! I particularly like how he used many methods of persuasion (including writing to his own press identifying as a separate alias) to turn the tides of the colonies and England! A good read for smart people!
December 22, 2017
Quick and interesting
Very quick read. Not much details, but it gives a good snapshot on Ben Franklin's life. Defintlety makes me want to learn more details about him. The author did a good job.
Very quick read. Not much details, but it gives a good snapshot on Ben Franklin's life. Defintlety makes me want to learn more details about him. The author did a good job.
January 16, 2018
Good read
I this was a nice read as a collection of facts and some vignettes. My objection was that it was assembled and not crafted. Seemed like it was a college research paper without the heft of an in depth character study.
I this was a nice read as a collection of facts and some vignettes. My objection was that it was assembled and not crafted. Seemed like it was a college research paper without the heft of an in depth character study.
April 20, 2018
Review of Benjamin Franklin
I felt the subject matter was interesting but the presentation of the story made it somewhat redundant I did enjoy the book as a whole but the flow was not as smooth as I would have liked
I felt the subject matter was interesting but the presentation of the story made it somewhat redundant I did enjoy the book as a whole but the flow was not as smooth as I would have liked
Read
January 2, 2020Very interesting. Learned a lot i didn't know about Franklin.
Very interesting. Would like to read more about Ben Franklin and his life. Quick and easy read it you have limited time.
Very interesting. Would like to read more about Ben Franklin and his life. Quick and easy read it you have limited time.
October 30, 2024
It is a quick but rich account of the most outstanding aspects of Benjamin Franklin. I think it fulfills the objective I was looking for, I learned about the life of this great character, with an entertaining story.
October 15, 2017
Good overview of his life
This book sums up the main parts of his life and contributions to the world. It could have gone into more depth in some areas but it was worth reading!
This book sums up the main parts of his life and contributions to the world. It could have gone into more depth in some areas but it was worth reading!
October 29, 2017
Interesting!
November 24, 2017
Loved it
This was great I really enjoyed reading about a very inspiring person such as Benjamin Franklin. We need more like hime
This was great I really enjoyed reading about a very inspiring person such as Benjamin Franklin. We need more like hime
December 7, 2017
Really?
This "book" is more of a Readers Digest condensed version of a short story. This was a total disappointment. Save your money and find something better.
This "book" is more of a Readers Digest condensed version of a short story. This was a total disappointment. Save your money and find something better.
December 14, 2017
One of the best book to read in a simple layman terms
One of the best book to read about the life of Franklin Benjamin, in a very simple language and layman terms
One of the best book to read about the life of Franklin Benjamin, in a very simple language and layman terms
January 7, 2018
Excellent!
Printer, scientist, statesman, philosopher...Franklin was all of these and much much more. Great read...recommend it to all Americans! Kudos to the author.
Printer, scientist, statesman, philosopher...Franklin was all of these and much much more. Great read...recommend it to all Americans! Kudos to the author.
April 6, 2018
A different view
Concise and informative. I enjoyed it. It provides insight into Franklin not known by me before . A perfect example of what's missing in our world today.
Concise and informative. I enjoyed it. It provides insight into Franklin not known by me before . A perfect example of what's missing in our world today.
April 14, 2018
Simple and Fascinating
This book skims the surface of Benjamin Franklin's incredible life and the many ways he contributed he contributed to American and global societies.
This book skims the surface of Benjamin Franklin's incredible life and the many ways he contributed he contributed to American and global societies.
April 20, 2018
Entertaining and Informative
I really enjoyed this. It was well written and entertaining while being very informative. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys history.
I really enjoyed this. It was well written and entertaining while being very informative. Would recommend for anyone who enjoys history.
September 15, 2018
Franklin
Very informative of the days and life a Benjamin Franklin. Creates a desire to read more about the first renaissance man of America.
Very informative of the days and life a Benjamin Franklin. Creates a desire to read more about the first renaissance man of America.
April 27, 2019
It was really interesting to find out all the things Benjamin Franklin did. It's an easy read, without going into too much depth.
August 5, 2019
(3.3) I enjoyed a few books from the Alexander Kennedy "concise history" series, some more than others. This one seemed disjointed and repetitive, but still a pretty good read.
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December 18, 2019An excellent narration of the entire life/activities of BF
December 20, 2020
Brief overview of a life
Very superficial overview but pretty good summary. This would be a good starting point for further reading about Ben Franklin.
Very superficial overview but pretty good summary. This would be a good starting point for further reading about Ben Franklin.
November 4, 2018
Good over view of Benjamin's life
This book had a good starting point for whom Benjamin Franklin was and his role in the development process that formed this country. He was one of the founders of the Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights.
This book had a good starting point for whom Benjamin Franklin was and his role in the development process that formed this country. He was one of the founders of the Constitution of the United States and Bill of Rights.
June 30, 2016
On the Sleepy Hollow TV show, one of the main characters has an intense dislike for Benjamin Franklin. That renewed my interest in him and as I've found other books in this series very informative, I thought this one would be too and it certainly was. Plus my SO always likes it when I can share interesting facts about historical figures since he's usually the one sharing them with me.
"Prologue" shares a quick overview of the amazing breadth of Franklin's accomplishments. "Early Life and Viewpoints" briefly describes his father's two marriages and the many, many children they had (17!!!). Franklin's religious, philosophical and ethical influences as well as his opinions are discussed including his "Thirteen Virtues". Learning about his approach to self-improvement was fascinating. His evolving views and practice of slavery was also discussed. The book touches on Franklin's relationship with his dad and his experiences with various trades. Franklin's early writing career is discussed and I learned a lot about his messed-up relationship with one of his brothers who ran the paper where he apprenticed.
"A New Life in Philadelphia" discusses Franklin's difficult relocation to Philadelphia and his early experiences there, as well as his unintentionally long trip to London. Why he had a commom-law marriage was explained, as well as what is known about his illegitimate son and some additional family information.
"The Prolific Publisher" gives an overview of Franklin's various printing jobs, his pamphlet writing, his successful acquisition and overhaul of a local newspaper and additionally covers the success of his Poor Richard's Almanac. Other publications like his magazine and autobiography are also discussed.
"A Dedicated Public Servant" discusses Franklin's role in and resulting ramifications of creating a library and a mutual improvement society. His civic mindedness is also illustrated as is how he was able to become one of the wealthiest men of the time. This allowed his early retirement so he could focus on scientific ventures like his interest in electricity, which the book nicely describes. Other contributors like his involvement in developing a university and our postal system and being an ambassador are briefly covered.
"The First American" discusses in detail Franklin's important and extensive influence in the American Revolution and the development of the United States. The book shares information about his involvement in other improvement and activist societies and his ongoing writing.
"A Man of Science" discusses Franklin's wide range of scientific and mechanical interests as well as his lasting innovations in scientific thought, which are too numerous to mention here, but are quite interesting to read about in the book. Many inventions and innovations I hadn't previously known about are presented in an excellent manner in this section. How much he understood before others and how curious and active his mind was is amazing.
"His Death and Legacy" shares some information about his will, bequests, his remarkable importance and enduring influence. "Epilogue" does an excellent job at summarizing Franklin's life and accomplishments.
There's a few things which are a bit repetitive. For instance, I'm not sure it's necessary to say he was a "successful entrepreneur" and "he prospered" in the same sentence or likewise that "his approach to self-improvement lasted throughout his life" and "he continued to practice them until he died".
This book is generally well-written, informative and engaging. The author's writing style is compelling and completely avoids sounding like a dull textbook. Even the complicated scientific concepts are clearly explained. The author does a good job of sharing enlightening quotes that complement the text. I received this at a free or discounted rate in exchange for my honest review.
"Prologue" shares a quick overview of the amazing breadth of Franklin's accomplishments. "Early Life and Viewpoints" briefly describes his father's two marriages and the many, many children they had (17!!!). Franklin's religious, philosophical and ethical influences as well as his opinions are discussed including his "Thirteen Virtues". Learning about his approach to self-improvement was fascinating. His evolving views and practice of slavery was also discussed. The book touches on Franklin's relationship with his dad and his experiences with various trades. Franklin's early writing career is discussed and I learned a lot about his messed-up relationship with one of his brothers who ran the paper where he apprenticed.
"A New Life in Philadelphia" discusses Franklin's difficult relocation to Philadelphia and his early experiences there, as well as his unintentionally long trip to London. Why he had a commom-law marriage was explained, as well as what is known about his illegitimate son and some additional family information.
"The Prolific Publisher" gives an overview of Franklin's various printing jobs, his pamphlet writing, his successful acquisition and overhaul of a local newspaper and additionally covers the success of his Poor Richard's Almanac. Other publications like his magazine and autobiography are also discussed.
"A Dedicated Public Servant" discusses Franklin's role in and resulting ramifications of creating a library and a mutual improvement society. His civic mindedness is also illustrated as is how he was able to become one of the wealthiest men of the time. This allowed his early retirement so he could focus on scientific ventures like his interest in electricity, which the book nicely describes. Other contributors like his involvement in developing a university and our postal system and being an ambassador are briefly covered.
"The First American" discusses in detail Franklin's important and extensive influence in the American Revolution and the development of the United States. The book shares information about his involvement in other improvement and activist societies and his ongoing writing.
"A Man of Science" discusses Franklin's wide range of scientific and mechanical interests as well as his lasting innovations in scientific thought, which are too numerous to mention here, but are quite interesting to read about in the book. Many inventions and innovations I hadn't previously known about are presented in an excellent manner in this section. How much he understood before others and how curious and active his mind was is amazing.
"His Death and Legacy" shares some information about his will, bequests, his remarkable importance and enduring influence. "Epilogue" does an excellent job at summarizing Franklin's life and accomplishments.
There's a few things which are a bit repetitive. For instance, I'm not sure it's necessary to say he was a "successful entrepreneur" and "he prospered" in the same sentence or likewise that "his approach to self-improvement lasted throughout his life" and "he continued to practice them until he died".
This book is generally well-written, informative and engaging. The author's writing style is compelling and completely avoids sounding like a dull textbook. Even the complicated scientific concepts are clearly explained. The author does a good job of sharing enlightening quotes that complement the text. I received this at a free or discounted rate in exchange for my honest review.
February 19, 2017
A well crafted account of the brilliance of the multifaceted Benjamin Franklin whose works and philosophy had very much shaped the United States we know today and also to a great extent benefited the entire mankind. The book is an interesting take on the greatness of this man , most well known across the world for his kite and lightning experiment but actually a lot more and diversified in interests and practice.
Alexander Kennedy draws instances from various stages of Franklin's life and does not go in a chronological order to describe the events as would be in a biography. Rather , he chooses , quite effectively, to potray the different aspects of Franklin's life and works and then mentions the events and time period in context of that .
Alexander Kennedy draws instances from various stages of Franklin's life and does not go in a chronological order to describe the events as would be in a biography. Rather , he chooses , quite effectively, to potray the different aspects of Franklin's life and works and then mentions the events and time period in context of that .
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August 10, 2016In Franklin’s life, he did many outstanding things. He never gave up. He kept to moral codes. He always did what he wanted, and lived life to it’s fullest. He began his life in a family of several, living as an indentured servant under his brother. His brother mistreated him, so he ran away, moving eventually to Philadelphia, where he then lived for the rest of his life.
Once in Philadelphia, he was housed by his future wife’s father. Deborah Read’s father became his landlord, and he courted Deborah. However, her mother did not bless the marriage, and when Franklin left for a trip to London for business, she married another man, who later fled with her dowry to avoid debt. He came back and established a common law marriage with her, despite her mother.
She died of illness during another trip to London, where he was stranded as an indentured servant because Sir William Keith failed to follow through on a money plan. When he returned, he got himself back into the printing trade he was under with his brother. He printed money, and used the money he earned to make a living. He opened a school so other kids wouldn't have to be as self conscious about a lack of education as he was all his life, and several graduates of the school had signatures on the Declaration of Independence.
Once in Philadelphia, he was housed by his future wife’s father. Deborah Read’s father became his landlord, and he courted Deborah. However, her mother did not bless the marriage, and when Franklin left for a trip to London for business, she married another man, who later fled with her dowry to avoid debt. He came back and established a common law marriage with her, despite her mother.
She died of illness during another trip to London, where he was stranded as an indentured servant because Sir William Keith failed to follow through on a money plan. When he returned, he got himself back into the printing trade he was under with his brother. He printed money, and used the money he earned to make a living. He opened a school so other kids wouldn't have to be as self conscious about a lack of education as he was all his life, and several graduates of the school had signatures on the Declaration of Independence.
August 10, 2016
A Penny Saved...
An interesting overview of the life and work of Benjamin Franklin. I was especially interested in his printing work, and his scientific accomplishments. I grew up visiting the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
An interesting overview of the life and work of Benjamin Franklin. I was especially interested in his printing work, and his scientific accomplishments. I grew up visiting the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia.
July 4, 2016
Short biography of Benjamin Franklin, appropriate for a junior high student
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews