|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rating:  -
This book has so much information on Franklin that I just dont care about. It even has information on people who interacted with Franklin, and some of their doings and thoughts. Lots of quoting letters and this and that, it gets really boring. This is not at all like "John Adams" by McCullough. I really dont want to know about every interaction and argument he had with everyone he ever met in his life. When you have to make yourself read when you really dont want to, you know the book is not very engaging.
If your into this mans life hardcore, this is your book, otherwise look for something else.
Rating:  -
This is an excellent and extremely thorough biography of Benjamin Franklin. It's a long book, which goes into great and occasionally tedious detail of every aspect of Franklin's life. My only complaints are more with the breadth of Franklin's experiences than any real failing on the part of the author. Franklin the scientist, soldier, printer, adventurer, philosopher, journalist, social activist, bon vivant and ladies' man are all fascinating portraits. Franklin the politician and ambassador are at times crushingly dull.
Rating:  -
Have not finished novel, but so far a really interesting & great read. I prefer fiction and have rarely read historical novels, but this one is really, really good!
Rating:  -
I thought I ordered a new, hard-back,collector's edition, of a book -- or at least one in good condition, "The First American" (Benjamin Franklin). The book I received is a paperback in deplorable condition -- old, yellow pages, dirty,terrible odor, falling apart and marked in ink on pages. I could not be more disappointed and I have not been able to find out how to return it. This book is not even in condition to give it away!
Rating: -
H.W. Brands does a fantastic job of portraying Benjamin Franklin as the Renaissance Man that he was. From the first page, you meet someone who understands the world, people, and his own place in it. Brands does not skimp on material, going back to the setting before Franklin's birth all the way to his last day. Every page is worth the time as this biography is both readable, interesting, and packed with relevant contextual information. No matter your nationality, you'll find Franklin a character not only of great sensibility but humility and kindness as well. These are rare traits in people who found countries, supervise revolutions, and leave a legacy of inventions. Nonetheless, Brands shows us that Franklin was the rarest of people.
|
|
|
|
