The first major biography of Benjamin Franklin in more than sixty years, The First American is history on a grand scale -- a work of meticulous scholarship and a thoroughly engaging portrait of the foremost American of his day. Diplomat, scientist, philosopher, businessman, inventor, wit, and bon vivant, Benjamin Franklin was in every respect America's first Renaissance man. The eighteenth-century genius comes to life in this masterwork by acclaimed...

Wood scrutinizes the less typically American traits possessed by Franklin--such as his longtime loyalty to the Crown--and why he still became one of the Revolution's necessary men.

"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...

Surveys the life of Benjamin Franklin, highlighting his work as an inventor and statesman.

Briefly introduces the life of Benjamin Franklin, touching on his inventions and his contributions to the city of Philadelphia as well as to the newly formed United States of America.

Benjamin Franklin was the son of a tradesman in Boston who rose to fame as a printer, writer and publisher. He was also very interested in science and is well known for his many inventions such as the Franklin stove, bi-focal glasses and one of his greatest discoveries that lightning was electricity and learned to harness that power with the invention of a lightning rod. He is also well known as one of the Founding Fathers of the new American nation...

Tells the story of Benjamin Franklin, one of the Founding Fathers of the U.S. who helped draft the Declaration of Independence while making important scientific contributions. -- adapted from Amazon.com This engaging biography series focuses on the traits that made our heroes great--the traits that kids can aspire to in order to live heroically themselves. Each book tells the story of an icon in a lively, conversational way that works well for the...

Benjamin Franklin was a brilliant inventor, scientist, writer, and founding father. Before his ideas made him a legend, Benjamin was a young boy who enjoyed learning, helping others, and problem-solving. He was always finding clever ways to make the world a better place, from inventing the lightning rod to helping write the U.S. Constitution. Explore how Benjamin Franklin went from being a thoughtful kid growing up in Boston to an American hero who...