During his 84-year life, Benjamin Franklin was America's greatest scientist, inventor, publisher, strategic entrepreneur, diplomat, and writer. He was also one of its most practical political thinkers. As America's first great journalist, he carefully cultivated his personality, shaped it publicly, and gave it substance for his posthumous image. In this new fascinating biography, Walter Isaacson offers readers a complete picture of Franklin's public and private life - his loyal but neglected wife, his illegitimate son with whom he parted ways due to the war with England, his endless "substitute" families, and his many romantic relationships, which possibly never culminated. But this is not just a biography of Benjamin Franklin, but a captivating look at the political history of America and Europe of that era. Isaacson examines the preparation for the Revolutionary War, the close relationships between Britain, France, and the colonies, and the defining events that led to America's independence. Just as David McCullough brought the historical figure of John Adams to life, Isaacson captures Franklin in reality, showing readers how this radical man helped define America's national character and personality.

Pages: 608, Year of Publication: 0816, Dimensions: 15.6x15.6cm