I find some things about Ben Frank to be very inspiring. Other things -- like the blatant racism and sexist portions of this book -- I wasn't so into. I know he lived in his times and all of that good b.s., but I still don't have to like it when someone writes something fucked up, be it last year or 300 years ago. I think the best part of Mr. Franklin is his 13 Virtues (which I want to paint on my wall) and the fact that he describes my city in very good detail. Philly is a wonder!

This is an interesting look at Benjamin Franklin's life. The first part is his autobiography, which he never finished. It tells mostly of his early life and his beginnings in the printing business. Then there are collections of his letters, scientific writings, and political writing. These are divided by topic, with short explanations from the editor giving general information surrounding those letters or publications. It shows his work as a scientist and inventor, his gradual assent into public life as a statesman and politician, and his personal life as a husband and father and his personal relationships.

I found it very interesting and readable, and I loved seeing how meticulous and sensible Franklin was in ordering and organizing his life. He had some excellent ideas and some crazy ideas. He was a person always searching and wondering and puzzling through the mysteries of life. He must have had a terrific amount of energy, since he often writes about diligence and industry. He was a rare personality.

I enjoyed this close look into American history!

I was expecting much more about the American Revolution than I got. While Benjamin Franklin was an interesting person, I did not ever desire to know so much about his childhood and young adult years.