The Age of Benjamin Franklin

by Robert J. Allison

We all have certain images of Ben Franklin: the witty Founding Father who promoted independence; the Philadelphia printer who created Poor Richard’s Almanack; the scientist who conducted experiments with kites in electrical storms; the author of what is arguably America’s best-known autobiography. These images reveal an intellectually curious and successful man of the 18th century, but they don’t fully capture the full spirit of one of the most extraordinary Americans—perhaps the quintessential American. Why is Benjamin Franklin so compelling? What made him so successful in his day? And why has he continued to influence generations of Americans? Tackle these questions and more in The Age of Benjamin Franklin, a thorough—and sometimes surprising—course that presents a full portrait of a personality that defies easy definition. Taught by Professor Robert J. Allison of Suffolk University, these 24 insightful lectures explore the many facets of Franklin’s life and times. From his humble beginnings as the son of a Boston soap maker to a world-renowned diplomat, you’ll explore the many sides of this complex man: ambitious, worldly, imaginative, and forward thinking, representing the best output from the Age of Enlightenment. As one of the most notable Americans in history—a pioneer in science, politics, and diplomacy—he was truly a larger-than-life individual. The Age of Benjamin Franklin gives you a rich and entertaining portrait of his life and times.

Genres: History, Audiobook, Biography, American History, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

Published February 3, 2018

About the author

Dr. Robert J. Allison is Professor of History at Suffolk University in Boston and also teaches history at the Harvard Extension School. He graduated from the Harvard Extension School with an A.L.B. before earning a Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization at Harvard in 1992.

Professor Allison received the Harvard Extension School's Petra Shattuck Distinguished Teaching Award in 1997, the Suffolk University Student Government Association's Distinguished Faculty Award in 2006, and the Suffolk University Outstanding Faculty Award in 2007.

His books include The Crescent Obscured: The United States and the Muslim World, 1776–1815 (2000); A Short History of Boston (2004); Stephen Decatur, American Naval Hero (2005); The Boston Massacre (2006); The Boston Tea Party (2007); and the upcoming A Short History of Cape Cod. He has edited books on American history spanning from the colonial period to the 20th century.

Professor Allison was a consultant to the Commonwealth Museum at the State Archives in Boston, and he is on the board of overseers of the USS Constitution Museum in Charlestown, Massachusetts. He is vice president of the Colonial Society of Massachusetts, an elected fellow of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and president of the South Boston Historical Society.

Reviews

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of these shorter Great Courses (give me more of the 25+ hour ones!), but I begrudgingly picked this up. Dr. Allison is an entertaining and informative lecturer who clearly enjoys his subject matter. I thought the course was well-organized and entertaining! I wish it could have been longer, but I can't thank Dr. Allison enough for expanding my knowledge about Franklin and leaving me wanting more.

[Elwin Kline · Rating 3 out of 5]

AM: "What good will I do today?"

PM: "What good did I do today?"

Good ol' Gentle Ben.

I wasn't too sure coming into this if this would be something that really grabbed me... however, despite the 3/5 rating, I did really enjoy it. It sits more on the fence of a 3.5 to me, but not quite worthy of round up. I don't blame that on poor Benny, I think it might have been the content creators delivery more than anything that could have been improved. I am sure Dr. Allison is amazing guy, it's just when it comes to Great Courses... you really have a legendary lineup of content creators you are going up against, and in my opinion he doesn't quite stand shoulder to shoulder to some of the other greats.

This was a really enjoyable learning experience about Benjamin Franklin and his life. From the champion swimmer, to the ladies man, the printer, to one who spoke out against slavery, musical instrument inventor, and to the straight edge who shunned alcohol; this is a super fun memoir to the life of a very interesting, successful, and generally kind man who wanted to do good in the world.

If you are totally clueless about Benjamin Franklin, while this isn't the greatest delivery... it is still very interesting to learn all about this man's life.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Benjamin Franklin was, and still is to a large extent, one of the most important 'Americans' in our relatively short history. He was a renaissance man in the truest sense...excelling in science, enterprise and politics in a way that no other founding father has. His is a familiar story...until these lectures!
Dr Allison presents a more thorough survey (is that an oxymoron?) of Franklin, filling in family details and more obscure writings that have escaped the high school (and most college-level) history classes. In the first two lectures, the family history seems to drone on...losing the listener in some unnecessary detail.
But, in later lectures the real depth of Franklin comes to the fore, starting with his relatively unknown influence through his printing business(es). His influence here is both powerful, yet subtle...guiding his ever-increasing readership to his particular point of view...often without their knowledge. Once established, his exploits in science and politics in Pennsylvania and the other 'colonies', especially America's relationship with England, began to take shape. He seemed to be everywhere!
I enjoyed these lectures (3.5 stars) with the good professor's presentation style reducing the overall rating. His lecture presentation was dry, with only minor voice inflection...perhaps the video presentation would reduce that aspect.
The course notes were very helpful!
Recommended.

[Bill Hooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of "The Great Courses" selections, a 25 lecture series by Dr. Robert Allison. This is not a biography, but a series of lectures over different aspects, events, or roles in the life of Benjamin Franklin. It was very interesting, and entertaining. I have read several early American biographies, and Franklin played in each of them; and in some of them he was a very important part. I plan on listening to some more of these "Great Courses, " and if you have an interest in learning something about a particular subject -- check out the "Great Courses."

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Franklin is such a fascinating individual, an optimist role model and one of the first Americans, I have read several books about his life These audio lectures add new insights on his inventions, his views on Native Americans and slavery, and his influence on the modern world.

[Bob Szesnat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this very much. It gives you glimpse into the time Benjamin walked this earth and the impact he had during his life as well as after his days came to an end.

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really does drag on but insightful enough

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook. Very entertaining