Benjamin Franklin (Lives and Legacies Series)
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | 4.27 (971 Votes) |
| Asin | : | 0195368703 |
| Format Type | : | paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 160 Pages |
| Publish Date | : | 2014-12-16 |
| Language | : | English |
DESCRIPTION:
All rights reserved. . From Publishers Weekly Gaustad's entry into Oxford's "Lives and Legacies" series provides a brief but informative look at one of the then-nascent U.S.'s most complicated personalities. True, these accomplishments cannot be fully explored in this brisk history, but Gaustad's slim volume is a great starting point. Photos.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. Gaustad mentions Franklin's illegitimate son; his common-law marriage with his beloved wife; his scientific experiments, including his early toyings with electricity; his role in forming the post office, fire departments and public libraries; his religious and social beliefs (he was one of the first noteworthy abolitionists); his success as a printer, which allowed him to retire in his mid-forti
The book describes how the hardworking Franklin became at age 24 the most successful printer in Pennsylvania and how by 42, with the help of Poor Richard's Almanack, he had amassed enough wealth to retire from business. Lastly, the book covers Franklin's role as America's leading statesman, ranging from his years in England before the Revolutionary War to his time in France thereafter, highlighting his many contributions to the cause of liberty. Along the way, Gaustad sheds light on Franklin's personal life, including his troubled relationship with his illegitimate son William, who remained a Loyalist during the Revolution, and Franklin's thoughts on such topics as religion and morality. We then follow Franklin's next brilliant career, as an inventor and scientist, examining his pioneering work on electricity and his inventions of the Franklin Stove, the lightning rod, and bifocals, as well as his mapping of the Gulf Stream, a major contribution to navigation. The tenth and youngest son of a poor Boston soapmaker, Benjamin Franklin w
Well Done thurmmary Well done bio. Lots of things you know but enough new info to keep it interesting. Five Stars Great book. Along Red River of the North said Everyone Should Read This Biography. Professor Gaustad has written another outstanding biography in the Lives and Legacies Series by Oxford University Press. I recommend highly his biographies of Roger Williams and Benjamin Franklin. While geared towards "young adult" readers, anyone interested in American history should read this book. Franklin was the prototypical Ameri