Benjamin Franklin
By Walter Isaacson
An American Life. Simon and Schuster, 2003.
Summary of Benjamin Franklin book by Walter Isaacson
An all-encompassing narrative that includes every aspect of Benjamin Franklin’s life from birth through death, including his inventions, writings, and political contributions that helped define America as we know it today.
Chapters in Benjamin Franklin book summary
What do you get from this book? Discover the details of Benjamin Franklin’s life and his role in shaping America
Benjamin Franklin was born into a Puritanical household, garnering attention with a series of essays using the alias “Silence Dogood”
Keimer’s printing shop gave Franklin his start, though he eventually put Keimer out of business and established his own newspaper
Franklin founds Philadelphia’s first library, a volunteer fire brigade, and state militia with the help of his “Junto Club”
Reason and nature shaped Franklin’s scientific studies as well as his political beliefs
Local policies gave way to larger issues as tensions increased between the colonists, Indians, and French
The Penn brothers refused to compromise regarding colonists’ rights, and Franklin returned to America from his failed mission
The “Paxton Boys” induced war between Indians and Settlers, losing Franklin his bid for reelection
The Stamp Act invoked rebellion and hatred of Franklin and his family, though stringent damage control eased concerns
Franklin attempts to keep the peace between America and Britain, but talks fail when the Boston Tea Party ensues
In 1775, Franklin drafted the Articles of Confederation, but they were rejected, and talks with Canada failed
The Declaration of Independence leads to a secret alliance with France
John Adams arrived in France as an American delegate but was slighted by Congress just before Franklin resigned
Shays’ Rebellion forces the Constitutional Convention of 1787, where America’s governing strategies were decided
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Who should read Benjamin Franklin book
- Politicians
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About the author of Benjamin Franklin
Walter Isaacson
Walter Isaacson is a journalist, author, and history professor at Tulane University. He was the chair for Voices of America, an international broadcaster, and managing editor for Time magazine. He also served as both CEO and chair for CNN, and CEO and President of the Aspen Institute, a nonprofit organization dedicated to policy studies.
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